Morgan Rogers is embracing the high praise after being compared to England legend Paul Gascoigne. The Aston Villa star, who is 23 years old, recently had an opportunity to shine in the No. 10 role for England during a World Cup qualifier against Serbia. Rogers delivered an impressive performance in the 5-0 victory, showcasing his ability to create opportunities.
Rogers displayed a "marauding display" in the game against Serbia. He contributed an assist to Noni Madueke's goal with a skillful flick. His talent for beating defenders caught the eye of ITV pundit Roy Keane, who likened him to Gascoigne. Rogers is aware that his knack for producing something out of nothing could be crucial in securing his place at the World Cup.
Rogers acknowledged the compliment, especially coming from Keane. He stated that receiving such recognition from football legends is a great feeling. However, he remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement.
Rogers admitted to watching clips of Gascoigne, describing him as an iconic player. While he was too young to see Gascoigne play live, he has been inspired by his highlights. Rogers aims to bring excitement to the game and create moments that fans will remember. He recognizes that his risky and free-flowing style won't always be successful but is committed to working hard and improving his game.
With injuries to key players like Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka, Rogers seized the opportunity to prove himself. He feels that it was his time to demonstrate his abilities on the international stage. He is determined to build on this performance and secure more opportunities.
Rogers' journey to this point has been filled with hard work and determination. He joined Aston Villa in February 2024 and has since become a key player for the team. Rogers is a versatile player, comfortable in multiple attacking positions. He is known for his physical strength, attacking runs, and ball control.
Rogers' style of play is characterized by his ability to take long-distance shots and aggressively drive at opponents. He has earned praise for his tactical intelligence, dribbling skills, and work ethic. Some have even compared him to Jamal Musiala, Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Rogers has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in November 2024. His recent performance against Serbia suggests that he is ready to make a significant impact for the national team. Rogers is focused on maintaining his level-headed approach and continuing to develop his game. He understands the competition for places in the squad but is eager to contribute and help the team succeed.