AdminEngland limped over the line in the 2026 World Cup group stages with a cagey 2-0 win against Panama. The result sees the Three Lions finish first in Group L, but one player’s performance hasn’t gone down well.
Thomas Tuchel’s men are supposed to be among the favourites to win the whole competition, but while they are progressing to the Round of 32, many fans have been left worried after this performance.
The German coach made five changes from the previous disappointing draw against Ghana. Jarrel Quansah, Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford all came into the starting XI. However, one of them has received strong criticism online.
England Fans Unimpressed With Morgan Rogers
Before the United States, Canada and Mexico-hosted tournament got underway earlier this month, there was a huge debate regarding who would start between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.
Many felt the latter would get the nod as the most attack-minded midfielder after some issues between Tuchel and Bellingham. Rogers was brilliant for Aston Villa last season, and appeared in pole position to start in the opening game.
However, his Real Madrid compatriot started against Croatia and scored an important goal. Bellingham was then named Man of the Match against Ghana and scored the winner vs Panama.
Rogers started alongside him in this game, but failed to deliver. The 23-year-old was outclassed by his rival No.10 and it would be a surprise to see him start the first knockout match.
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Fans were quick to criticise his display, particularly in the opening 45 minutes. “You could’ve told me Rogers wasn’t playing and I’d believe you. Completely useless against a low block,” one England supporter posted on X.
Another claimed: “Stocks falling on Rogers, been dreadful,” while the Aston Villa man was even labelled ‘non-existent’: “Rogers has been non-existent.”
Marcus Rashford got some stick alongside him as another X user said: “Not playing well at all. Rashford is no better than Gordon. Rogers waste of space.”
Some were critical of Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection. There were fans quick to point out that Cole Plamer could’ve thrived in such a game. One said: “England needed a Cole Palmer today, not Saka or Rogers,” while another added: “Feels like this performance is once again showing that this team needs a Palmer more than it does a Rogers.”
“I don’t care how good a season Rogers had, you can’t tell me Palmer wouldn’t be infinitely more effective in this team.”
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