Ollie Watkins has declared that Aston Villa teammate Morgan Rogers can go “to the very top” after the 23-year-old made his World Cup debut for England against Croatia.
Rogers Shines on World Stage
Rogers came off the bench in England's World Cup opener on Wednesday in Arlington, replacing Jude Bellingham, who started in the No.10 role under manager Thomas Tuchel. The young attacker's performance has drawn high praise from Watkins, his Villa and England colleague.
“I think Morgan can go to the very top,” Watkins said on Sunday. “You see what he can do in this short space of time, in 18 months, how he's developed and started to perform at that top, top level, which has got him all the recognition that he deserves.”
Arsenal and European Clubs Circle
Rogers is expected by many to leave Villa Park this summer after helping Unai Emery’s side to Europa League glory in Istanbul. He has been heavily linked with Arsenal, with Standard Sport understanding there has been genuine interest from the Gunners and other top European clubs monitoring his situation. A transfer is reportedly expected to cost Arsenal a minimum of £80 million.
Watkins added: “I think he's got his head on his shoulders at the end of the day. I think he's a guy who is hardworking and very confident in the way that he's playing.”
England's World Cup Campaign Continues
Both Watkins and Rogers will be hoping for game time in England’s second group match against Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. While Rogers appeared as a substitute against Croatia, Watkins is yet to play at this World Cup.
