Rogers: Rising Star in English Football with World Cup Aspirations

Rogers officially marked his entry into the elite tier of football by transferring to Aston Villa from Middlesbrough for £16 million ($22 million) in February 2024. Remarkably, every performance-related add-on in this transfer has been triggered within just two years.

Originating from the West Brom academy and having spent time with Manchester City, Rogers felt a sense of belonging upon his return to the Midlands. By November 2024, he had already achieved senior international status.

Having captivated Premier League audiences with his explosive running and knack for scoring spectacular goals, Rogers was recognized as the PFA Young Player of the Year. He is determined to maintain his upward trajectory, with transfer speculation surrounding him intensifying.

Driven by a desire to reach the pinnacle of football, Rogers acknowledges his childhood idols, who have achieved legendary status and World Cup glory. In an interview with BBC Sport, he spoke of the players he emulates: “Growing up, I was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and the unprecedented way he played in the Premier League during his first stint. The freedom he exhibited resonated with me.

“I admire players who play with a ‘no-care’ attitude, relentlessly pushing forward. Figures like Paul Pogba and Yaya Toure, along with a few taller midfielders known for their skill and athleticism, serve as examples for me. While I may not possess their level of talent, they provide a model for my development.”

Rogers’ talent is consistently evident at Villa, where he competes in the Premier League, Europa League, and has even featured in the Champions League. He celebrated his first international goal during a friendly against Wales in October 2025.

Now a key player in Thomas Tuchel’s strategy, Rogers is considered a leading contender for England’s No. 10 position, alongside players such as Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Phil Foden.

Confident in his abilities, Rogers believes he can bring a unique dimension to the Three Lions’ lineup. “I see myself as versatile; I can play as a number 10, a winger, or even a striker,” he said. “If given the opportunity and clear instructions, I am confident in my ability to offer something different that perhaps others cannot.”

He expressed his dreams of participating in the FIFA World Cup, stating, “It is the pinnacle of football. Growing up, every child aspires to represent their country on that stage. Being among the players considered for selection is incredibly motivating, particularly as the World Cup approaches.

“While it is not at the forefront of my mind, the excitement builds as the tournament nears. I want to concentrate on delivering strong performances weekly and see where that leads me.”

Rogers has achieved 12 caps for England and, barring injuries, is likely to secure a place on the national team’s flight to North America this summer. With ambitions to emulate the trophy-laden careers of legends like Ronaldo, Pogba, and Toure, he has much to strive for in the upcoming months.