Ollie Watkins 'wouldn't be surprised' if Aston Villa team-mate got England nod

Ollie Watkins reckons it would be “no surprise” if Villa team-mate Morgan Rogers started for England at the World Cup.

Both men are part of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad in the USA, with the Three Lions due to kick-off their tournament against Croatia on June 17.

Rogers has scored three goals in 15 appearances since making his England debut in November 2024 and has been trusted by Tuchel to start big games.

Asked during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast if the 23-year-old could now start the World Cup opener, Watkins replied: “I’m not the manager so I don’t know.

“But I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. Morgan is so talented. He’s had an amazing season. He’s very confident and backs his ability.

“I think you can see in the way he has performed this year, he is a very confident guy.”

Rogers and Watkins have become one of the Premier League’s most lethal partnerships over the past two seasons, with one assisting the other for a combined 17 goals during that period.

Watkins believes a strong bond away from the pitch has been key to their success.

He said: “The relationship is built off the pitch. I feel the better it is off the pitch, the better it is on.

“I’m close with Morgan. Since he has come in we have always been quite tight and I think it reflects on the pitch.

“When he gets on the ball he looks for me and vice-versa.”