Morgan Rogers defends England Under-21 callup after Unai Emery’s ‘second team’ criticism and insists his Aston Villa boss was just trying to ‘protect’ him
Morgan Rogers insisted there was never any discussion of him representing England Under-21s this week after Aston Villa manager Unai Emery sharply criticised the FA.
Emery questioned the wisdom of selecting a player for the Under-21s given his performance in the Premier League this season and the knocks on Lee Carsley’s senior side.
The Spaniard suggested that ‘the second team’ did not suit Rogers’ abilities, but the winger reaffirmed his commitment to the country. Rogers had spoken to his Villa boss to explain why it was necessary to join the squad of new interim manager Ben Futcher.
“There was never any doubt about me coming,” Rogers said. “I talked 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 probably just said it from a selfish point of view, in that he wants me to be fit and healthy for Villa, which I will be. I can do both.’
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has defended his call-up to the England Under-21 squad
Villa manager Unai Emery previously referred to England’s Under-21 side as the ‘second team’ as he criticised Rogers’ selection
Rogers shines for Aston Villa at the start of the new Premier League season
Rogers, who shared a room with star player Cole Palmer as the duo progressed through the age groups, knows Carsley has an eye for the attitude of his players and sees a path to senior titles.
“I know the advantage of the Under-21s and the big tournaments to show what I’m about,” the 22-year-old added. “I see players in the first team now who have been through all ages. I’ve played with some of them.
‘He [Emery] understands why it is a huge achievement to represent my country.’
Futcher – whose first game as national coach is a European Championship qualifier in Northern Ireland on Friday – said: “It was important that he came with us, he’s been good all week with a smile on his face. We really appreciate the path and certainly don’t see it as a second team.”