Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are among a group of stars vying for limited spots in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for next summer’s World Cup.
Morgan Rodgers’ form at Aston Villa means England have to make difficult decisions ahead of next summer’s World Cup, according to former Premier League star Troy Deeney. Rodgers scored two more goals in Villa’s win over Manchester United on Sunday, taking his total to seven to tie for the most by an English player in the Premier League this season.
While Rodgers takes on the number 10 role at the Three Lions and Bellingham returns from injury in the autumn, Phil Foden is arguably at his best playing more centrally at Manchester City. Cole Palmer has also played in this position for both Chelsea and England and will be in the conversation if he can find some consistency after a tough spell plagued by injuries.
But Deeney recognized Rodgers as a “man of the hour” when he named him in BBC Sport’s team of the week. “Two goals again, both great finishes against Manchester United,” he said.
“Is Rodgers the man to lead England? Will he leave Bellingham out? Foden? Palmer? How well he’s playing suggests we need to have a serious conversation about it. He’s scored seven goals for Villa and is in great form.”
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Villa manager Unai Emery praised Rodgers for his side’s win on Sunday. The former City youngster has scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 94 appearances since joining the club from Middlesbrough in January 2024.
Emery said: “He’s a really great guy. He’s a fantastic guy, he loves football, he loves Aston Villa and he’s always positive so he’s a really, really important player in the dressing room.”
“His energy is great and then his qualities are great too and he is gradually getting better, scoring goals with confidence and getting numbers, which is very important.”
Bellingham started England’s 2-0 away win over Albania in their final World Cup qualifier, but was clearly frustrated when he was replaced by Rodgers in the closing stages. Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel was asked about the incident and warned the former Borussia Dortmund ace.
“That’s the decision and he has to accept that decision,” Tuchel said after the match. “His friends are waiting on the sidelines, so you have to accept that, respect that and keep moving forward.
“We have to review it. I understand he’s not happy. When you have a competitive player like Jude, you don’t like it to a certain extent, but my word is right: standards, levels and dedication and respect for each other. So someone is waiting and we’re not going to change our decision just because someone waves their arm.”
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