England star Rogers reflects on ‘struggle’ to reach top after Man City rejection

Morgan Rogers, 22, was on Manchester City’s books as a teenager and played through all the England age groups but found it difficult to realise his full potential

Morgan Rogers admitted it has been a “struggle” to reach the top – but now he is determined to stay there. Rogers, 22, was on Manchester City ’s books as a teenager and played through all the England age groups but found it difficult to realise his full potential.

Aston Villa forward Rogers admits that he did not always believe in his own ability and had to take a step down with Middlesbrough before becoming a Premier League star. Rogers believes he has “gone up a level this season” as Villa have reached the Champions League quarter-finals and is now determined to make his mark with England.

Former Middlesbrough star Rogers said: “It’s been a bit of a struggle to get here! But 100 per cent yes. I think I’m a person who needs confidence given to me from a manager and I’ve learned that you’re not always going to get it, so you’ve got to find it within yourself.

“The last two managers that I’ve had I’ve kind of taken that next step and got that next level of confidence. I’ve unlocked that bit within myself to be more consistent and perform on a regular basis at a higher level.

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“Everyone’s journey is different, mine’s been up and down, left and right – I’ve been through quite a bit already. I wouldn’t change it because I think I needed it. Some people don’t need it, they can go straight to the top and fit in in a big club in the Premier League straight away and just excel.

“Some people like myself, I felt when I was younger I needed experience, I needed games in the EFL to mould me and improve me. I needed to go through those difficult periods to find out about myself as a person and as a player to get where I am now. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Rogers has been superb for Villa this season as he has shone in the Premier League and loved the Champions League nights.

He said: “I think it’s just the pinnacle of football at club level. The noise, the music when it gets playing, it gives you goosebumps. The teams I’ve managed to play and because we’ve done so well it’s just added to that. It’s been surreal, really. I’m enjoying it.”

That has definitely made Rogers the player he is today as he can operate as a No.10 or play wide and Villa have been reborn under Unai Emery. Villa have a strong team spirit and Thomas Tuchel has also set about trying to recreate that club feeling and understanding at international level.

Rogers revealed that Tuchel has already spelt out the main area where he wants England to improve which is game-management and also encourage leaders to step forward on the pitch.

Rogers said: “It’s a bit harder. You’re probably not as close as with your club, it’s not as day to day as at club level. That’s what he’s trying to build and it’s got to be accelerated because of the times you get together.

“But if we all know it’s got to be accelerated, we all know we can make a conscious effort to do it, it can be done. You see all the teams in the world that do win, they’ve got that, that continuity, that togetherness, and we want to build the same thing here and it starts now.

“The main thing I took from that was about the love and commitment he wants from us within, and how he wants us to be a family, how he wants us to be close and connected. How there are going to be good moments and bad moments, we all stick together.

“It’s the communication aspect. When momentum shifts in a game, we stick together. Just talking and being on that same page, that makes a massive difference when you’re playing. I know that first hand.”

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