Aston Villa star sends message to Thomas Tuchel amid Chelsea and Man City challenge

Aston Villa bid for a third consecutive Champions League victory after qualifying for Europe’s top club competition above more fancied rivals.

Now Morgan Rogers has claimed he has the "motivation" to win a place in Thomas Tuchel’s new England team ahead of some of the country’s most famous talent.

After claiming this latest success was Villa’s “best performance in the Premier League,” the playmaker was full of praise for his head coach and team-mates. He called Unai Emery “a genius,” penalty-saving Emi Martinez “the best” and Ollie Watkins the club’s “talisman.”

The Villa centre-forward continued to pressuriseHarry Kane for the England No.9 shirt with his fifth Premier League goal of the season. But Rogers faces the even more difficult task of leapfrogging stars like his close friend Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in a crowded field for the No.10 role.

The usually uber-diplomatic Emery admitted his “surprise” in August when Rogers was picked for the Under 21s instead of Lee Carsley’s full squad. Yet after stating his deflected ninth-minute strike against Fulham was “100 per cent my goal”, Rogers insisted the fierce national competition will only drive him forward.

“It is motivation for me,” said the Halesowen-born star. “They are obviously all great players who are doing well but so am I. Why can’t it be me next? It is just motivation. I watch every England game, I support them, I am a fan. I love it and hopefully if and when the time comes I am ready for my opportunity and my moment. It is just about playing every game really.

“I don’t look past the next game. That (England) is not something I think about when I play football. I just play football to enjoy it and be the best version of me that is possible.”

Rogers, 22, already shares the “cold” celebration with his former Manchester City academy team-mates Palmer - and insists he did it first. And at Craven Cottage he combined with Watkins with a great ball which saw Joachim Anderson sent off in a partnership which could be re-produced for England.

Get involved! Should Morgan Rogers get an England call-up? Have your say in the comments section.

“It is good to play with Ollie,” said the 6’2” star. “You see what he does at international level. He is good to play with.

“I am playing with him every week now and it is just about learning and understanding his runs. It is a work in progress. He is our talisman, our goalscorer and I want to feed him and help him score more goals.”

The club’s best Premier League start this century was achieved after going behind early while Martinez’spenalty save from Andreas Pereira was a “massive” moment in the game. “That is why he is the best because he saves moments like that,” Rogers said.

Watkins headed Villa in front before sub Issa Diop put through his own goal and Jaden Philogene was sent off in stoppage time. Appointed after Erik ten Hag in October 2022, Emery has given his club a clear identity and improved his team and his players.

“He is a genius,” stated Rogers. “Against Fulham, he focused highly on controlling the game because he knew on counter attacks they are dangerous. We starved them of chances and that is why we won. I just want to improve and get better and he is the perfect person for that.”

Villa will bid to go 10 games unbeaten in all competitions against Bologna tonight. “In front of our fans for a Champions League night, there is nothing better than that,” Rogers added. “We will go and try to win the game, as always.”

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.