Rogers steals England No10 debate as Foden and Palmer strike in big weekend
Phil Foden and Cole Palmer both hit the scoresheet for their clubs at the weekend, but it was Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers who really sent a message to England boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Rogers dragged Villa back from the brink at West Ham with two superb second-half goals, turning a 2-1 half-time deficit into a 3-2 win and extending Unai Emery’s side to nine straight victories in all competitions. Villa looked flat and leggy after their Europa League trip to Basel, but Rogers refused to let the run end.
The 23-year-old levelled five minutes after the restart, poking home after West Ham failed to clear a low Youri Tielemans cross. Then came the moment of the match. With 10 minutes left, Rogers picked up a loose ball 30 yards out, was given far too much room and smashed a swerving effort into the top corner past Alphonse Areola.
Former England winger Theo Walcott didn’t hesitate in his verdict. “He’s not just going to be in the squad,” he said on Match of the Day. “For me, he has to start at the World Cup. He does everything. One of the others might miss out, but Rogers starts.”
It wasn’t just about the goals. Rogers had more touches in the West Ham box than any of his team-mates, completed over 90% of his passes in the final third and took five of Villa’s seven shots. He now has five league goals this season, building on eight last term, and admitted he’s “pretty confident right now”.
Elsewhere, Foden continued his hot streak for Manchester City, scoring his 10th goal of the campaign in a hard-fought win at Crystal Palace. Six of those have come in his last five games, underlining his form as City chase down Arsenal. Pep Guardiola, though, wasn’t fully satisfied. “He lost a lot of balls,” the City boss said, adding Foden needs to stay calmer.
Foden agreed, saying he tried to do too much in the first half, but his ability from range remains deadly. Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more long-range league goals across Europe’s top leagues since the start of last season, and Foden has now netted in four straight Premier League games again.
Palmer also got back among the goals, ending an 87-day drought with Chelsea’s opener in their 2-0 win over Everton. Still nursing a groin issue and fresh from a broken toe, the 23-year-old looked sharp again. “He’s unbelievable,” said Stephen Warnock, dismissing doubts about his form.
Jude Bellingham remains in the mix, of course, but his recent dip at Real Madrid and a frosty reaction to being subbed in England’s last qualifier hasn’t helped. With the World Cup creeping closer, Tuchel’s problem is clear. There’s serious talent everywhere. Right now, though, Rogers looks like the man to beat.