Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers' World Cup chances look damaged thanks to 'magic' Jude Bellingham

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers was handed his first start of the 2026 World Cup as England defeated Panama 2-0.

Thomas Tuchel opted to make changes for Saturday night's clash, with some forced and others tactical.

For Rogers, he came in to replace Declan Rice, with Jude Bellingham dropping into the deeper role.

It was an opportunity for the Aston Villa star to put himself in the spotlight for Tuchel.

Questions had been asked if Bellingham and Rogers could play together, and that question was certainly answered.

While Bellingham rose to the occasion, the same cannot exactly be said for the Aston Villa star.

Morgan Rogers set for England bench, but not through his own fault - here's why

After failing to start in the opening two games, Rogers may have felt this was his last audition for a spot heading into the knockout games.

It should have been his starring moment for England at the 2026 World Cup, but it was not to be.

Instead, Rogers will likely have to make the required impact off the bench for the Three Lions.

While his performance was by no means poor, he was unfortunately outshone by those in his position.

During the match, Rogers created two chances and failed to register a single shot.

He also misplaced quite a few passes, ending with an 83 per cent passing accuracy and having just three touches in the opposition's box, according to FotMob.

And unfortunately, even those slight mishaps will put him out of the running.

Bellingham in that deeper role managed to grab himself a goal and an assist, and Rice is unlikely to be dropped upon his return to the lineup.

Speaking on BBC Live, Alan Shearer said: "He's done his job. Without him England wouldn't be in this position.

"A bit of class for his goal and a bit more for the cross for Harry Kane. I said in the first half about who is going to give that piece of magic? And Bellingham did that."

And even if Rogers' performance was slightly better, it would still have been a leap to stake that claim.

How did Ezra Konsa get on for England?

Another key Aston Villa man in Ezri Konsa was also involved, starting his third successive match for the Three Lions.

After a poor display against Croatia, he following it up with a solid performance vs Ghana, albeit Konsa was lucky to not give away a penalty.

And against Panama, Konsa was once again on form, keeping another clean sheet

He misplaced just one pass, which was a long ball up the pitch. He ended the match with a 99 per cent pass accuracy

Additionally, he won 60 per cent of his 10 duels competed in and managed to pick up three fouls for his nation

So, while Rogers failed to take his chance, albeit not from his own perspective, Konsa continued to show why he is a starting player.