England stars Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers have spoken about their unbreakable bond, describing each other as 'like brothers' since their school days. The childhood friends rose through the ranks with England to play at a World Cup together.
A Strong Bond Since Childhood
The pair were seen wearing the team's official M&S suits, released on the eve of their departure from Florida to their US World Cup base in Kansas City. Aston Villa star Morgan, 23, said: "It is a mental shift and I think it is perfect timing really. We needed to reintegrate as a team, play a couple of games, enjoy each other's company, get reconnected, and it was a place to see each other and our friends and family. Now it is show time."
Brummie Swagger and Confidence
Real Madrid star Jude told how they both had the Brummie 'swagger' and confidence that they would reach the very top. Morgan, from Halesowen, called Jude, from Stourbridge, his 'little big brother' after they played together at junior level and also against each other while growing up.
Jude paid tribute to his teammate, saying: "That self-confidence is why we are here. What point would it be to stop that now and be like everyone else? There is that element of self-confidence where people from Birmingham, West Midlands, Stourbridge, West Bromwich, Halesowen, everyone has the swagger and fancies themselves at what they do, which is important. It's a perfect description of our relationship."
No Competition, Only Support
Many fans believe the pair are competing against each other for a spot in the team, but Jude said: "I honestly have no ill-feeling when he is playing and I'm not playing and that is a representative of where we are from."
Team Spirit and Camaraderie
Both men praised the team's spirit and camaraderie. Morgan told the FA podcast 'Lions' Den': "It is easy for people to come into the group because we are really together and really aligned. We all get together, sit at a big table, have a big debate and everyone gets involved regardless of age."
And Jude said of his childhood friend: "He is a joy to play with and compete against. That is all I will say, I am never going to say that again!"
