Aston Villa entered the international break on a winless run of five matches but Morgan Rogers created a source of delight.
Rogers impressive form for Aston Villa was rewarded with an England call-up, as the 22-year-old aims to impress Lee Carsley in Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Following the news of his first senior call-up, Rogers spoke of the ‘surreal’ moment Carsley gave him the call, and it was a moment he thoroughly deserved.
The powerful attacking midfielder has been one of Unai Emery’s most invaluable assets this term, producing six goal involvements in 15 appearances.
While his talents have rewarded him richly, benefitting from the injuries to several England stars, Emery was cut a frustrated figure before the Aston Villa ace received the call.
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Why Unai Emery was fuming before Morgan Rogers England call-up
In the previous two international breaks this term, the former Middlesbrough star was drafted into the Three Lions under-21 set-up, as opposed to the senior squad.
Rogers inclusion in England’s under-21 squad in October angered Emery, as he felt his precocious talent deserved to be playing with the very best.
The attacking midfielder was initially chosen for the under-age group once more but several injuries to key players saw him earn a late inclusion.
Emery will have been delighted to see Rogers get his chance for England but before the news broke, The Athletic claimed he cut a ‘source of frustration’ as he didn’t want any more of his players to get injured.
The report read: “This month’s initial plan for the forward to remain with the under-21s was a continuing source of frustration for Emery. It was a sentiment shared among other senior figures at Villa, who are mindful of physically overloading young players who are not yet with their respective senior national setups.
“A senior call-up is naturally treated differently and vindicates the work the player in question and the coaching staff at Villa have done. In the case of Rogers, it is well deserved.”
- READ MORE: Unai Emery once berated £25m star in front of his Aston Villa teammates – now he’s undroppable
Jacob Ramsey will be next to eye an England call-up
One reason why Emery didn’t want Rogers playing for England under-21s was because of the injury risk that comes with it.
He remembers when midfielder Jacob Ramsey sustained a broken metatarsal bone in his foot and was ruled out for 11 weeks during the under-21 European Championships in 2023.
Ramsey’s setback in that tournament was one of several throughout last term, as he only started eight times in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has been a key part of Emery’s plans this term, and although Ramsey recently suffered a minor injury setback keeping him out for a couple of weeks, he will hope to become the next Villa star to receive an England call-up.
