Morgan Rogers has launched a strong defence of Jude Bellingham ahead of England's World Cup campaign, insisting fans should be 'sticking behind' the Real Madrid star. The Aston Villa and former Birmingham City player addressed the apparent competition for the No. 10 role under Thomas Tuchel.
Rogers backs Bellingham amid criticism
Rogers has had an outstanding season with Villa, winning the Europa League and cementing his status as a rising star. Meanwhile, Bellingham's campaign has been more challenging, though he enjoyed a return to form late in the season. Despite pundits like Alan Shearer suggesting Rogers might start ahead of his lifelong friend, Rogers defended Bellingham.
“Sometimes people can misinterpret the way he comes across. He has the biggest drive to win I have ever met in my life,” Rogers told the Rest is Football on Netflix. “He wouldn’t be where he is, competing for Real Madrid, in the biggest games without that character and personality. That is what you need to reach the top level. He has had that swagger from a young age.”
Rogers added: “The group love him. I don’t see the problem people have. It’s a bit strange. He is our golden boy, the one we should be cherishing and putting to the world as our player. We should be sticking behind him.”
Room for both in Tuchel's lineup?
The 23-year-old believes both he and Bellingham can feature together. “We play in similar positions, but I don’t think we are the same. We play completely differently. He has strengths I want to learn from, and I’m sure it’s the same the other way. I think we can definitely play together. I’d love to play with England’s best players. He’s right at the front of that, someone I’ve always wanted to play with from a young age.”
Rogers’ comments come as England prepare for the World Cup, with Tuchel facing selection decisions in the attacking midfield role.
