Morgan Rogers has been drawing Ronaldo-level comparisons and is touted as a guaranteed starter for England at the 2026 World Cup, according to ESPN.
Rogers has emerged as Aston Villa’s standout player, helping the club ride a nine-game winning streak that has carried them up the table and into the thick of a unlikely title race. The 23-year-old found the net twice in Villa’s 3-2 victory at West Ham, extending their winning run after their last defeat in all competitions came on November 1 against Liverpool.
Beyond his influence in Villa’s turnaround, former England winger Theo Walcott believes Rogers could play a pivotal role for Thomas Tuchel’s squad in the summer. Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Walcott said: “He scored two superb goals, and I’m not just saying he’ll be in the squad next summer — he’s a dead certainty to start for England at the World Cup — 100%. He does more than just score; he reads the game well and is intelligent about how he shapes play.”
Rogers’ second goal showcased a distinctive long-range dipping strike that often leaves goalkeepers wrong-footed. He previously produced a similar effort in Villa’s 2-1 win over Tottenham and also nail a well-placed free-kick in a victory against Leeds. These eye-catching displays have sparked comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, underscoring Rogers’ growing talent.
Walcott added, “When you give players like Ronaldo time and space to strike from distance, they can bend the ball to their will. Rogers can do that too. He found the space against West Ham, and if you give a player like him time, you’re in trouble.”
England’s No. 10 position in the summer remains highly contested, with Rogers vying for a spot alongside Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden. While Bellingham has long been viewed as the likely centerpiece, a mix of form dips and Rogers’ surge has left pundits pondering Tuchel’s exact plans.
Former England defender Jamie Carragher voiced the uncertainty on Sky Sports. He described Rogers as “something special” and noted that the young attacker has risen from a fringe option to a serious challenger. Carragher compared Rogers with Bellingham, who currently stars for Real Madrid and was recently in form, but suggested that as Rogers continues to impress, the decision about who starts behind Harry Kane at the World Cup will become increasingly complex.
With Rogers’ form peaking at the right time, questions abound about whether he can translate club-level success to the international stage. The World Cup landscape could hinge on whether Tuchel opts for Rogers in the No. 10 role behind Kane, or sticks with more established names.
Would you consider Rogers a genuine starter for England in 2026, or do you think Bellingham or another contender will retain the edge? Share your thoughts below.
