Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish and other famous footballers were left applauding what one Aston Villa star did while on international duty.
These days, Aston Villa have several players who represent their nation and while that is a positive for the club and city as a whole, it leaves Unai Emery feeling worried.
Emery can ill afford to see any of his players suffer injuries during the break but sometimes they’re unavoidable, as Ian Maatsen was sent home from Netherlands under-21 duty and Pau Torres complained of a muscle strain in Spain’s training camp.
Villa defender Ezri Konsa also suffered an injury for England as they secured a 3-0 win over Greece in the Nations League.
Konsa will have a scan today to determine the extent of the injury, as everyone associated with the club is hoping for the best.
The 27-year-old going off at half-time however, couldn’t overshadow what a special night it was for his teammate Morgan Rogers.
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Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish applaud Morgan Rogers on national duty
Rogers was a late inclusion in Carsley’s England squad for their matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Villa’s attacking midfielder Rogers spoke of the ‘surreal’ moment he received the call-up, with his dreams coming true on Thursday night.
Ollie Watkins and Konsa both started for the Three Lions while Rogers was introduced from the bench in the 66th minute, instantly showcasing his class with an 83% pass completion and two key passes.
It was a special moment for the 22-year-old, who posted a message on Instagram after the game, which read: “When a dream becomes reality. A proud moment for me and my family!!!”
Floods of responses came in for Villa’s no.27, including from former Villa hero Jack Grealish, Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, England under-21 teammate Liam Delap and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
- Jarrod Bowen: “deserved bro 🤩”
- Jude Bellingham: “Deserved my brother🤍🤍🤍”
- Jack Grealish: “Well deserved brother 🙌❤️”
- Liam Delap: “Incredible”
- Cole Palmer: “Congrats my boy ♥️”
- Ollie Watkins: “Well done brother 🤞🏾❤️”
Rogers will have impressed Thomas Tuchel
It was a penultimate game of Carsley’s short albeit sweet interim spell before Thomas Tuchel assumes responsibility at the start of 2025.
Rogers inclusion in the squad felt like a long time coming but it was only accelerated by the Three Lions injury crisis, with key players such as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden all missing.
When Tuchel has a fully fit squad to select from next year, it will be difficult for Rogers to cement his place in the side, although he proved last night that he belongs on the biggest stage.
He was only on the pitch for 24 minutes but he oozed class in his attacking midfield role, linked play well and looked a constant threat.
Rogers will hope he can play more of a starring role on Sunday, as England host the Republic of Ireland in the final game of the Nations League campaign.
