England’s video games in opposition to Serbia and Albania – which conclude their World Cup qualifiers – could also be useless rubbers, with qualification secured, however they’re extremely vital relating to deciding who performs in that key space when the match begins.
Rogers revealed the extent of his friendship with Bellingham when he mentioned: “I do not keep in mind it, however apparently he got here to my fifth birthday celebration.”
They’re usually seen collectively on England obligation and Rogers has mentioned beforehand: “It made it even sweeter, sharing the pitch with him once more. It is so good, understanding I can share these moments with him and that he feels glad and proud as nicely.
“My mum is aware of his mother and father fairly nicely, to do with work and stuff. We’ve got all the time been round one another, taking part in in opposition to one another within the academies.
“Being within the first under-15 camp collectively, each being from Birmingham, we sort of caught to one another.
“We grew up in all probability 5 minutes away from one another. We’ve got sort of been rivals, me as West Brom and him at Birmingham Metropolis.”
Bellingham and Rogers have been pitted in opposition to one another within the combat for a spot, together with Foden, however it’s nonetheless a heartwarming story of how two boys, born in Stourbridge and Halesowen respectively, have taken the journey to such prominence and significance.
Rogers took the extra scenic path to the highest, beginning at West Bromwich Albion, earlier than shifting to Manchester Metropolis, the place he had mortgage spells at Lincoln Metropolis, Bournemouth and Blackpool earlier than becoming a member of Middlesbrough in July 2023.
He impressed a lot on Teesside that Villa supervisor Unai Emery made it his private enterprise to signal Rogers, clinching a deal on 1 February 2024, for a reported £8m – doubtlessly rising to £15m.
Such has been his progress at Villa, that when Chelsea have been linked with a transfer in the summertime, Rogers was thought to be a participant who may doubtlessly be positioned within the £100m bracket.
Bellingham’s journey has been extra direct, from his beloved Birmingham Metropolis to Borussia Dortmund then Actual Madrid – the place he claimed the foremost prizes of La Liga and the Champions League in his first season.
Now they’ve their sights set on arriving collectively at subsequent summer season’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA – however who will put on England’s treasured quantity 10 shirt?
