Former England striker Emile Heskey has issued a direct warning to established stars like Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, stating that Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is rapidly becoming "impossible to ignore" for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking exclusively to Dream Vegas, the Premier League legend argued that Rogers' blistering festive form has elevated him from a potential squad member to a genuine contender for a starting role in Thomas Tuchel's England side.
Former England striker Emile Heskey has issued a direct warning to established stars like Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, stating that Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is rapidly becoming "impossible to ignore" for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking exclusively to Dream Vegas, the Premier League legend argued that Rogers' blistering festive form has elevated him from a potential squad member to a genuine contender for a starting role in Thomas Tuchel's England side.
Heskey was unequivocal in his assessment, declaring, “I definitely think he’s pushing to be an England starter, not just a squad player.” He praised the midfielder's all-around game, emphasizing his off-the-ball intelligence and energetic playing style. “I love the enthusiasm that he plays with... He makes intelligent runs off the ball because he creates space for others as well with his runs,” Heskey explained, highlighting qualities he believes are essential for tournament football.
Rogers' rise has been one of the standout stories of the Premier League season. The 23-year-old has transformed into a decisive figure for Unai Emery's Aston Villa, exemplified by his two-goal performance in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. His ability to combine physicality, technical skill, and tactical discipline within Villa's high-intensity system aligns closely with the demands expected under Tuchel's England management.
This emergence intensifies the competition for England's attacking midfield positions. While acknowledging the quality of rivals like Cole Palmer, Heskey pointedly noted that Palmer "hasn’t played much this season, so he needs to start playing to get that fitness up, especially for a manager that’s all about aggressive running and intensity." As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Rogers' continued club form will place significant pressure on the established hierarchy, making him a compelling option for a manager who values the very attributes he consistently displays.
