Morgan Rogers insisted there was never a question of him representing England’s Under 21s this week after Aston Villa manager Unai Emery’s stinging criticism of the FA.
Emery queried the wisdom of an Under-21 selection for a player who has shone in the Premier League this season and was knocking on the door of Lee Carsley’s seniors.
The Spaniard suggested ‘the second team’ was not befitting Rogers’ ability but the winger made sure to affirm his commitment to the country. Rogers had spoken to his Villa boss to explain why joining up with new interim manager Ben Futcher’s squad was a necessity.
‘There was never any doubt about me coming,’ Rogers said. ‘I spoke to him about it. I understood what he was trying to say, he just wants to protect me and cares about our games coming up.
‘He was probably just saying it from a selfish point of view in that he wants me fit and healthy for Villa, which I will be. I can do both.’
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has defended his callup to England’s Under-21 squad
Villa boss Unai Emery previously labelled England’s Under-21 side as the ‘second team’ as he slammed Rogers’ selection
Rogers has starred for Aston Villa at the start of the new Premier League season
Rogers – who roomed with senior star Cole Palmer when the pair were progressing through the age-group teams – knows Carsley takes notice of the attitude of his players and can see a pathway to senior honours.
‘I know the benefit of the Under 21s and the big tournaments to show what I’m about,’ the 22-year-old added. ‘I see the players in the first team now who’ve been through all the ages. Some of them I’ve played with.
‘He [Emery] gets why it’s a massive thing for me to represent my country. It’s a massive achievement.’
Futcher – whose first game in charge is a Euro qualifier in Northern Ireland on Friday – said: ‘It was important he came with us, he’s been good all week with a smile on his face. We really value the pathway and certainly don’t see it as a second team.’
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