In a recent discussion about player selections for the England national teams, interim boss Lee Carsley shared insights about Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who was nearly called up to the senior Three Lions squad. Despite being vital to Unai Emery’s side, which has started the season strongly in both the Premier League and Champions League, Rogers remains a topic of debate.
Carsley, who attended Villa’s recent 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, has already named players like Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins to the England squad. However, the omission of Rogers has sparked questions.
Lee Carsley said, “What does he gain by playing in the U21s, Morgan Rogers? He is ready in case they want to call him for the national team, I can understand.” Carsley continued, “My response to it, my question is, Morgan Rogers, now he is a reality. The first six months he was here, was OK, but now he is confirming it – not to play in the Under-21s. If they are calling him in the national team, the first team, OK perfect. If not, why?”
The debate extends to the purpose of Rogers playing for the U21 team when he seems prepared for senior-level challenges.
Lee Carsley further elaborated, “What is a player like Morgan Rogers gaining by playing for the U21s? I am surprised. I respect that they are not calling him for the first team, but the second team? He is not a player for the second team.”
This brings into question whether Morgan Rogers should be part of the senior England squad.
