England Star Finally Speaks Out on Explosive Jude Bellingham World Cup No. 10 Controversy
Morgan Rogers has declined to engage in conversations about competing with players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer for a starting position with England at the 2026 World Cup.
The Aston Villa attacking midfielder has displayed remarkable form this season and delivered another standout performance for the surprising Premier League title contenders on Sunday. Two brilliant strikes secured a 2–1 triumph over Manchester United and earned Rogers consecutive double-goal performances.
Rogers has netted seven goals and provided three assists across 17 Premier League appearances this campaign, with his impressive showings already capturing the attention of England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has included the Villa player in four of his last five starting elevens.
Based on his current performances, he looks certain to not only make the trip to North America next summer, but play a crucial role for England in the competition. Nevertheless, the rivalry is intense.
Foden has elevated his performance this season following a subdued 2024–25 campaign, Bellingham continues to be a vital player for Real Madrid, Palmer has bounced back after an injury-plagued beginning to the season and Eberechi Eze represents another candidate for the No.10 role.
With Tuchel employing just one attacking midfielder in his formation, there are no certainties for Rogers—despite such remarkable displays.
Rogers Avoids England Discussion
"I simply concentrate on myself and attempt to develop," Rogers informed BBC Sport when asked about the competition for England's No.10 position. "Discover my rhythm, reach my peak performance each match and see what happens. There's tremendous talent available and I'm simply trying to compete. I'm giving everything I have."
He also shared with Sky Sports: "I play football to attempt to reach my potential and become the finest version of myself possible. I give my maximum effort, sometimes it succeeds, sometimes it fails, but I continue working hard and wherever it leads me, that's where I go."
Phil Jones: Rogers Deserves 2026 World Cup Starting Role
During an appearance on Sports Illustrated Football Club, former Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones backed Rogers to claim the starting position for England at the World Cup, arguing he's currently performing at a superior level compared to Bellingham.
"He would be my No.10 for the World Cup," stated Jones. "I realize it's a controversial choice, and I know he likely won't get it because Jude Bellingham plays for Real Madrid. Hopefully that won't be a factor, but I'm standing firm on this.
"I believe [Rogers] has been the player I've most enjoyed watching over the past six months. I've genuinely, genuinely appreciated his performances. I admire his playing style, I admire his personality, I admire how he conducts himself on the field.
"He's athletic, he's fast, he's robust, he finds the net with both feet. I think he's more physical than Bellingham. I think currently he's finding the net more frequently than Jude Bellingham. He's making a greater impact on matches than Jude Bellingham."