Premier League legend fires Morgan Rogers warning to England stars Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer before 2026 World Cup

Emile Heskey believes Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is forcing his way into England thinking and piling pressure on Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer

For all the talk about England’s golden generation, established stars and undroppable names, there is always room in international football for a late arrival who simply refuses to be ignored. According to Premier League legend Emile Heskey, that player might just be Morgan Rogers.

With the 2026 World Cup in North America slowly coming into focus, Heskey has sounded a clear warning to England’s attacking elite. Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer may be the headline acts right now, but Rogers’ explosive festive form for Aston Villa has shifted the conversation. No longer a talented squad option or an interesting alternative, Rogers is being spoken about as a genuine starter under Thomas Tuchel.

That alone tells you how quickly things are moving.

Emile Heskey throws his weight behind Morgan Rogers for World Cup role

Heskey knows what it takes to break into an England side stacked with quality. The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker earned 62 caps during an era when competition for places was fierce, and he sees familiar patterns emerging now.

Speaking about Rogers’ rapid rise, Heskey made it clear that the Villa midfielder’s form has taken him beyond the “nice option to have” category.

“I definitely think he’s pushing to be an England starter, not just a squad player,” Heskey said. “He gives you so much on and off the ball.”

That distinction matters. England managers have often been accused of picking on reputation rather than role suitability. Heskey’s argument is that Rogers offers something very specific – intensity, movement, physicality and tactical intelligence – qualities that can decide games at international tournaments where space is limited and margins are fine.

Rogers’ two-goal display against Manchester United over the festive period felt like a statement performance. It wasn’t just the goals, but the way he dominated the spaces, drove Villa forward and repeatedly unsettled a big-name midfield. In matches like that, reputations disappear. Only output matters.

Why Heskey’s warning should resonate with Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer

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On paper, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer look untouchable. Bellingham is one of the most marketable footballers on the planet and Palmer has been Chelsea’s creative heartbeat when fit. But Heskey’s comments cut through reputation and land squarely on form, fitness and suitability.

England, under Tuchel, are expected to prioritise aggressive running, pressing triggers and tactical discipline. That is where Rogers enters the conversation.

Heskey highlighted Rogers’ off-the-ball work as much as his technical quality. “I love the positions that he gets into,” he explained. “He makes intelligent runs off the ball because he creates space for others as well.”

That is a subtle but crucial point. Bellingham thrives when the game opens up and he can arrive late into the box. Palmer excels when given freedom to dictate play between the lines. Rogers, however, does the dirty work that allows others to shine – and still adds goals.

Heskey was particularly pointed when discussing Palmer’s situation. “Cole Palmer hasn’t played much this season,” he said. “So he needs to start playing to get that fitness up, especially for a manager that’s all about aggressive running and intensity.”

That isn’t criticism for the sake of it. It’s a reminder that international football does not wait for anyone. If you are not fit, sharp and in rhythm, someone else will take your place.

Morgan Rogers’ Aston Villa form has changed the narrative

There was a time when Morgan Rogers was described as “one for the future”. That time has passed.

At 23, Rogers has matured into a player capable of influencing big Premier League matches week after week. Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa demand relentless work without the ball, quick decision-making in transition and positional discipline in possession. Rogers has not only adapted – he has thrived.

He operates comfortably as a number 10, an advanced 8 or even drifting wide, but his defining trait is timing. His runs are not flashy for the sake of it. They are purposeful. He drags defenders out of shape, opens passing lanes and arrives in dangerous areas at exactly the right moment.

That intelligence is what separates promising players from international-level ones.

Villa’s system also mirrors many of the principles Tuchel is expected to bring to England: compactness, aggressive pressing and verticality. Rogers already looks like a natural fit.

England’s midfield picture is more fluid than it looks

England supporters often talk as if the midfield picks itself. In reality, it is one of the most competitive areas of the squad.

Bellingham is a guaranteed presence, but even he can be deployed in multiple roles. Palmer is a natural creator but not always the most intense runner. Phil Foden floats between positions. Declan Rice anchors. Beyond them, places are very much up for grabs.

Rogers’ emergence complicates things in a good way.

Tournament football is unforgiving. Managers need players who can execute a game plan without compromising intensity. Heskey’s backing of Rogers suggests he sees a player who understands those demands instinctively.

It’s not about dropping Bellingham or Palmer. It’s about recognising that England may need different profiles for different matches. Against high-level opposition, balance often trumps brilliance.

Why Tuchel will be watching Rogers closely

Thomas Tuchel is not sentimental. His team selections are usually ruthless, shaped by tactical requirements rather than public expectation.

If Rogers continues producing the numbers and performances he has shown during Villa’s festive run, Tuchel will have little choice but to pay attention. Goals from midfield, physical presence, defensive contribution – these are currencies that translate well to World Cups.

The 2026 tournament will be played across North America, in demanding conditions and intense schedules. Squad depth and versatility will be critical. Rogers offers both.

He can start, he can finish games, and he can adjust his role within a match. That adaptability is priceless.

Pressure rising on England’s established stars

Heskey’s comments may be framed as praise for Rogers, but they also serve as a clear message to England’s established stars: nothing is guaranteed.

Bellingham’s quality is unquestioned, but even he must maintain his standards. Palmer, in particular, faces a fight to prove fitness and consistency. International football has no room for passengers, especially under a manager who values work rate as highly as flair.

This is how strong squads are built – through internal competition rather than automatic selection.

Morgan Rogers focused on consistency, not headlines

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For Rogers himself, the challenge now is consistency. One explosive festive period does not guarantee a World Cup role. Sustaining that level across the second half of the season is the real test.

If he does, England’s midfield conversation will look very different by the time qualification campaigns and warm-up tournaments roll around.

Rogers doesn’t need to shout. His performances are doing that for him.

A genuine World Cup selection dilemma is emerging

England fans have long complained about a lack of tactical bravery at major tournaments. Tuchel’s appointment suggested a shift in mindset. Rogers’ rise offers an opportunity to reinforce that shift.

Picking players on form, intensity and suitability – even if it unsettles big names – is how teams win World Cups.

Emile Heskey has seen this story before. And if he’s right, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer will soon realise that Morgan Rogers isn’t knocking politely on the door anymore.

He’s pushing it open.