23-year-old labels pre-World Cup calls to drop the midfielder as “ridiculous”
Morgan Rogers has hailed Jude Bellingham for his starring role for England at the World Cup and tipped him to be crowned the player of the tournament, after the midfielder inspired Thomas Tuchel’s side into the semi-finals with another decisive display.
Bellingham scored both goals in England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, taking his tournament tally to six and becoming the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score two goals in successive World Cup knockout matches.
The Real Madrid midfielder has emerged as England’s key player in America after arriving at the tournament under scrutiny, with some suggesting at the time that Rogers should replace him in the No 10 role. The Aston Villa forward, who is very close friends with Bellingham, said there had never been any doubt about the player’s importance to the team.
“Player of the tournament maybe? Erm… unbelievable,” Rogers said. “I think the thought of some people thinking he wasn’t going to play in this tournament or he wasn’t going to be involved is ridiculous.”
Bellingham’s influence against Norway went beyond his two goals. He repeatedly drove England forward, completed seven successful dribbles and won a series of free-kicks as Tuchel’s side recovered from falling behind to Andreas Schjelderup’s first-half opener.
Rogers said the midfielder’s contribution is measured as much by his work without the ball as by his goals.
“He’s proven on the world stage time and time again how great a player he is,” said Rogers. “He’s put the work in, he’s stuck with us, and he’s got his rewards.
“He works so hard for the team, and not just with the goals, but if you look at him he’s completely drained at the end of every game because he gives his all, so he reaps the rewards. What a player and what a person, and yeah… we all love him.”
