Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSome players rise to the top can look effortless.These are the types that are often destined for greatness, as they glide through the various age groups and make an immediate first-team impact. Others have to dig in, respond to setbacks and follow the path less-travelled.Morgan Rogers early career fell into the latter category, as the former Manchester City hopeful underwent a series of loan moves that didnt always go to plan. You may like Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers on playing Champions League football I learned how to play under pressure at Blackpool and used those experiences with Villa Morgan Rogers on his formative loan spell and a viral quote If youre at your happiest, smiling and working as hard as you can, then theres nothing more you can give How Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has developed a winning mindset Morgan Rogers on his rise to the topBut with Rogers now a fundamental part of Aston Villas push for a top-five place and set to go to his first World Cup with England in the summer, the 23-year-old insists that these early struggles have helped him shape the player - and person - he has become.Asked if he ever thought of playing for England at senior level felt like a stretch during his testing loan spells at Bournemouth and Blackpool, Rogers gives a very honest assessment.Get VIP Aston Villa tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Aston Villa hospitality elevates the iconic Villa Park atmosphere with premium padded seats and exclusive lounge and restaurant access. Packages typically include fine dining or gourmet options, a complimentary drinks package, and matchday entertainment with Villa legends, plus the official matchday programme, ensuring a luxurious and enhanced matchday experience.View DealI wasnt really thinking about that, but yeah, there were times where it was nowhere near on the radar, he tells FourFourTwo.There have been difficult moments, dark times where it hasnt always gone my way and its been challenging, but thats all part and parcel of football.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.It makes you a better player and a better person it makes you stronger. To overcome setbacks is only a good thing.That senior England debut finally came in 2024 after he had represented the Three Lions at every youth level from under-15s up, as interim boss Lee Carsley gave him the nod during a 3-0 Nations League victory in Greece.It came so quickly, he recalls. I got called into the squad late and I was hoping to maybe catch two minutes at the end of one game, not to get on after an hour when we needed a goal [England were only leading 1-0 when Rogers came on], so that was a lovely feeling.The fact that it all happened so quickly was probably the best thing for me.Just to rush, get changed and get on as soon as possible, not really letting the moment sink in and just playing the game for what it was.*Rogers was speaking during a visit to Pumas first European flagship store, on Oxford Street in London.*TOPICSEnglandWorld Cup 2026Joe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromChris FlanaganSenior Staff Writer
