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Tea Shubman Gill and KL Rahul weathered a testing spell from England’s bowlers to produce a wicketless middle session on day four in Manchester, but it was perhaps the only thing that went India’s way after Ben Stokes’ century carried his team to a total of 669 and a lead of 311. Then Chris Woakes struck twice in the first over before India could score any runs to create incredible drama.India went to tea at 86 for 2, still 225 runs behind. They could easily have lost their captain for 46 had Liam Dawson been able to hold on to a tough catch at gully but Gill made the most of that generosity to continue his run-spree. He went past Virat Kohli’s 655 runs against England in 2016 and is chasing down Sunil Gavaskar’s record of most runs as an Indian captain in a Test series (732).Stokes did not bring himself to bowl any of the 29 overs so far, a sign of perhaps the workload he has already taken on. He is playing back to back Tests. He picked up a five-for in the first innings and backed it up with a century – a rare feat among players and even rarer among captains. In scoring 141, he broke a spell of 35 innings without a hundred and earned himself a spot among the best allrounders in the history of cricket. There were, prior to his efforts at Old Trafford, only two with 7000 runs and 200 wickets – Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis.England’s innings reached incredible heights – 669 was their fifth-highest total in Tests – and it ended with 15 minutes for their bowlers to target India before lunch. Woakes produced a beauty from around the wicket to trap Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck – angled in, seaming away, taking the leading edge to first slip. Then Sai Sudharsan made a mistake born out of spending 157 overs in the field, fatigue resulting in him misjudging a ball that was short and wide. In the end, he ended up getting caught at second slip trying to play the leave.

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Leeds United have received a response after making contact to sign an “outstanding” attacker in the past few days.

Leeds showing fight in battle for survival

Heading into a tricky three-game run against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Daniel Farke would’ve been fearing the worst, given the widespread speculation about his future, but his side have managed to amass a very respectable four points.

Even in the 3-2 loss at the Etihad Stadium, the Whites showed heart, fighting back from 2-0 down, which will be very encouraging for Farke, and the 2024-25 Championship title-winners remain outside the relegation zone for the time being.

That said, it is still very close near the bottom of the Premier League table, with both Nottingham Forest and West Ham United starting to pick up better results since hiring new managers.

Consequently, it is little wonder Leeds have started looking at new signings ahead of the January transfer window, recently making an approach for Tromso star Jens Hjerto-Dahl, and they have now set their sights on £21m summer Como signing Martin Baturina.

That is according to Romano (via Leeds United News), who said: “Baturina is a player Como still wants to focus on, they’re not thinking about a January exit. I’ll tell you the behind-the-scenes story. In the last few days, Leeds has been in touch, the teams are starting to move.

“Leeds has proposed opening talks with Como and the player’s agents about a possible transfer, even a permanent one. Leeds would have practically repaid Baturina to Como,”

“The response I understand from both Como and the player was ‘No, thanks’. Baturina wants to stay at Como, he believes in the project Como is happy with Baturina, with how he trains, the potential he has.

“Baturina continues to work hard, but the door has been closed for Leeds. In short, it also marks some clarity regarding the rumours that have been circulating about the future of the Croatian midfielder.”

Leeds scouts now spotted watching "fantastic" European standout alongside Man Utd

He’s one to watch.

By
Tom Cunningham

6 days ago

"Outstanding" Baturina could have bright future ahead

Leeds will be frustrated they didn’t receive the ideal response after making a move for the 22-year-old, given just how impressive he was at Dinamo Zagreb, registering 22 goals and 39 assists in 165 outings, while he has also now scored his first goal for Croatia.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also waxed lyrical about the attacking midfielder, saying a little over a year ago: “His vision and weight of pass is outstanding.”

However, the former Dinamo Zagreb man hasn’t exactly hit the ground running since moving to Italy, being benched for the majority of Como’s Serie A matches this season, having recorded just one goal contribution in his first seven outings.

As such, Baturina clearly isn’t the finished article just yet, so it is not majorly disappointing that Leeds appear to have missed out.

Real Madrid are in the unfamiliar position of being underdogs ahead of their Champions League tie against Arsenal, with Los Blancos hoping to overturn a three-goal deficit.

It’s not often that the 15-time European champions are in such a bleak position, but if there is one team in Europe you wouldn’t put a miraculous comeback past, it’s Madrid.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, the Champions League (and the European Cup) has seen plenty of Real comebacks, as if there was any reminder needed that this tie is far from over.

Here, we take a look back at 8 times Real Madrid staged a Champions League comeback when all looked lost.

The 16 Best Champions League Knockout Games of All Time (Ranked)

After Inter’s crazy semi-final win over Barcelona, here’s a look at the best knockout ties the Champions League has thrown up over the years.

ByBarney Lane Feb 12, 2025 1 Real Madrid 6-5 Derby County (aet) 1975/76 European Cup second round

Perhaps Real’s most impressive comeback in European competition, Los Blancos somehow fought back from a 4-1 first-leg defeat to win after extra time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A hat-trick from ex-Arsenal forward Charlie George appeared to have put English champions Derby County in full control, even when Roberto Martinez (not that one) struck early in the return leg.

But quickfire second-half goals from Martinez and Santillana got Madrid within touching distance, with George’s consolation making little difference.

A late Pirri penalty set up an extra period, where Santillana got the eventual winner to finally put Real in front, 189 minutes into the tie.

2 Real Madrid 3-2 Celtic 1979/80 European Cup quarter-finals

Real were at it again as Celtic looked on the verge of securing a superb result following a 2-0 success at Parkhead.

However, the second leg saw the home side eventually take control, with Santillana’s goal on the stroke of half-time setting up a tense second period.

Following Uli Stielike’s equaliser, Real completed their comeback late on through Juanito’s late header.

3 Real Madrid 4-4 Red Star Belgrade 1986/87 European Cup quarter-finals

Having been 3-0 down at one point in the tie, Real Madrid’s away-goal victory over Red Star Belgrade is well worthy of a mention.

A brace from Hugo Sanchez gave Los Blancos a fighting chance ahead of their home leg, where they didn’t disappoint in front of their supporters.

Emilio Butragueno’s opener got the ball rolling, before a second-half header from Manolo Sanchis gave Madrid the most slender of leads.

Madrid held on to secure another comeback win, but they were beaten by Bayern Munich in the semis.

4 Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich 1987/88 European Cup quarter-finals

Real Madrid got their revenge on the Bavarians a year later, even after lulling the German side into a seemingly safe 3-0 lead.

Los Blancos didn’t get on the scoresheet until 85 minutes into the first leg after a mix-up in the Bayern defence gifted Butragueno what had looked like a valuable consolation.

Real then halved the deficit at the Olympiastadion through Sanchez, allowing them to finish the job on home soil.

Finely taken goals from Milan Jankovic and Michel were enough to see Madrid through to the last four, showing once again that a Bernabeu return leg is something to be feared.

5 Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (aet) 2013/14 Champions League final

The modern era has also had its fair share of Madrid comebacks. While Real’s recovery in the 2014 final was not from a huge deficit, it was nevertheless a game where they were moments from defeat.

Diego Godin’s goal looked to have given the La Liga champions a winner that would have secured a first Champions League triumph, but Sergio Ramos’ header deep into added time set up an extra period.

From then on, Real took control with three goals in the second half of extra time. Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored to seal ‘La Decima’ for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

6 Real Madrid 3-2 Wolfsburg 2015/16 Champions League quarter-finals

Real Madrid were left shellshocked by a 2-0 defeat in Germany to an unfancied Wolfsburg side stuck in mid-table in the Bundesliga.

But Madrid turned around the tie completely within 90 minutes like it was nothing, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick gave Los Blancos their quarter-final berth on their way to the trophy in 2016.

Wolfsburg had chances of their own to seal it for themselves, but Ronaldo’s third – a free-kick through the visitors’ wall – handed Real yet another comeback victory.

7 Real Madrid 6-5 Man City (aet) 2021/22 Champions League semi-finals

Real were the absolute epitome of being dead and buried in their semi-final tie with Manchester City in 2022 before miraculously pulling two goals out of nowhere.

City looked set for consecutive Champions League final appearances when Riyad Mahrez had put City in front at the Bernabeu, stretching their aggregate lead to 5-3.

With time ticking into the 90th minute, Rodrygo nipped in for what would surely have been a consolation, with only six added minutes remaining.

Rodrygo only needed one more to improbably level the scores, heading in from Dani Carvajal’s cross.

Karim Benzema then finished City off in extra time as Real Madrid made another Champions League final.

8 Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich 2023/24 Champions League semi-finals

By this point, Real Madrid’s never-say-die attitude in the Champions League was common knowledge, so much so that even with Bayern Munich on the verge of a semi-final victory in 2024, they never truly felt safe.

Madrid had salvaged a first-leg draw thanks to Vinicius Jr.’s penalty, but when Alphonso Davies spectacularly put Bayern in front at the Bernabeu, the Bavarians were favourites to progress to the final.

An unlikely hero in Joselu rescued Real two minutes from time, pouncing on Manuel Neuer’s mistake to level things again.

And just when the sides must have been mentally preparing for extra time, the former Newcastle United striker sent Real to Wembley after a VAR check dramatically allowed his winner to stand, cueing mass celebrations.

Real Madrid would need to perform similar heroics to repeat those scenes against Arsenal, and history seems to hint that anything is possible.

Athletic Club have opened renewal talks with Nico Williams, offering big pay rise to keep him amid interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.

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• Athletic Club offer major salary increase to Williams
• €60m release clause draws big clubs
• Arsenal, Real Madrid & Barca interested

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After a strong showing with Spain in the Nations League, Williams has become one of the most talked-about names in the transfer market. Big clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern are keeping close tabs on him.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Williams has grown into a vital part of both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team. The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 2024-25 in the wake of playing a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 success. His performances have turned heads across Europe and with a relatively modest release clause, he is within reach for top clubs.

  However, according to , Los Leones are not giving up easily. Talks to renew his contract have officially begun, with the club offering a significant salary hike reported to be around €10 million (£8m/$11m) per season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Spanish wingers' release clause is only slightly above €60m (£50m/$69m), making him one of the most affordable top-tier wingers in Europe for elite clubs.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMS?

  Talks between player and club set to continue now that he’s done with national team duty. The club’s immediate plan is to get a deal done during his summer break, before Premier League and La Liga giants push harder with formal offers.

Against a top-class attack, in a tough situation, the young opener showed there will be someone for South Africa to fall back on once their old pros move on

Firdose Moonda in Durban04-Mar-20182:47

Holding: Markram will get better and better

“It’s not all lost,” AB de Villiers said after South Africa were bowled out for 162 in their first innings, and he was right. While the game was gone on day two and energy had been sucked out of them on day three, Aiden Markram salvaged something out of day four, something that has offered a glimpse into a future that does not fall off a cliff when de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla retire.His second-innings century shone shards of sunlight on South Africa’s chase, which started with an air of inevitably that 417 was impossible, crashed towards the realms of embarrassment at 49 for 4, and then stuttered and sparked into life, even threatening a fairy-tale end.There were moments when it seemed Markram might just pull it off, moments when he was leaning into his drive or guiding the ball late, moments when was playing against the turn, moments when he managed to tame the wild child in Quinton de Kock and channel his focus into a forming a big partnership… moments of magic.Watching from his home in Johannesburg, Ali Bacher, the last captain to lead South Africa to a series win over Australia at home, was so excited. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he offered an analysis: “A South African cricketing star has been born. The two best batting techniques in South African cricket that I have seen came from Barry Richards and Jacques Kallis. Aiden’s batting technique is as good as theirs. His hundred today is one of the best I have seen from a South African batsman. It was scored under extreme pressure and against an Australian bowling attack which is one of the best I have seen in world cricket for many years. His temperament under constant Aussie pressure was excellent.”Put technique aside for a moment and let’s zone in on the pressure, because there was plenty. From his end, Markram watched Dean Elgar defeated by pace and unable to withdraw his bat in time to avoid the edge, Hashim Amla get rapped on the pads by Josh Hazlewood – the sixth time this bowler has accounted for him in Tests – and AB de Villiers run out after advancing halfway down the pitch before seeing Markram was not interested (and then he had to hear about it too).Australia spent the morning session reminding Markram “of what he had done and trying to get him off his game”, which, Tim Paine admitted, “didn’t work”. Markram actually enjoyed parts of it because it “keeps me in the game”, something that had been missing from his game over the one-day series against India, when he was given the captaincy just two caps into his career.”It [captaining against India] was quite a tricky stage for me because I was trying to establish myself in the side and along with that trying to lead a strong side against a very strong Indian side. It was very challenging for me,” Markram said. “I found myself, in terms of batting, not all that much in the moment. I felt very rushed and a lot like a blur. For what reason I am not so sure, I haven’t worked it out just yet. Captaincy did have a bit to do with it.”But now he has shown real leadership, with an innings of stature. Comparisons to Graeme Smith, who is well respected for his abilities in the second-innings, will abound, not least because Markram, despite the results against India, is still captaincy material. And unlike Smith’s batting style, Markram’s is pleasing on the eye. “His technique is outstanding. He gets his head over the ball and plays straight,” Bacher said. “When they bowl short, he gets up high on his toes and he doesn’t square cut, he drives the ball off the back foot through the covers. He is the complete batsman.”

“His hundred today is one of the best I have seen from a South African batsman. It was scored under extreme pressure and against an Australian bowling attack which is one of the best I have seen in world cricket for many years”Former South Africa captain Ali Bacher on Aiden Markram

Which is what South Africa will need not only if they are to compete in this series, against this attack, but also as they go forward, when the big guns really do go. The senior batsmen are all under pressure after letting the side down in this Test, and in important matches over the last year or so their form has become a topic of much discussion. The new concern is whether the younger players are ready to take over; murmurs around the local traps was that they were nowhere near.Talk to those who keep a close eye on the first-class competition and a sense of gloom seeps through their words. Despite the consistency of players like Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Rassie van der Dussen, Pieter Malan, Rudi Second and Zubayr Hamza, there is a pessimism that franchise players can’t make the step up to the international game these days.Coach Ottis Gibson has added to the feeling by questioning the strength of the domestic game after the T20 series against India.”The gulf between domestic cricket and international cricket is still quite a wide one,” he said. But Markram, who has come through the ranks and spent seasons in the provincial set-up before earning a franchise contract, is proof that the gulf can be breached, even now, even when standards seems to have dropped.So “all” is not lost, even if this match almost certainly is. South Africa can take one massive victory out of it because their most-talented newcomer has passed his hardest test. Markram’s first two Test hundreds against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe were tasters, taken off attacks that a player of his quality would be upset not to have scored heavily against. His 94 against India in Centurion was proof there is was something there and this hundred has showed South Africa what that something is. All is not lost and Aiden Markram has definitely been found.

da realsbet： After confirming the arrival of Stefanos Tzimas, Brighton & Hove Albion have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign their first summer arrival a matter of days following January’s transfer deadline.

Brighton transfer news

da betsul： Whilst’s it wasn’t a hectic window for Brighton, they saved their best move till last to welcome Tzimas on a permanent deal before loaning the forward back to Nuremberg for the rest of the season. With Evan Ferguson heading out on loan to West Ham United at the same time, the Seagulls’ transfer business will certainly be interesting to watch when both young forward re-enter The Amex in pre-season.

Welcoming his new striker with open arms, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler told the club website: “Stefanos is an exceptional young talent, an out-and-out centre-forward with a natural ability to score goals, and we are absolutely delighted to have signed him.

“He will join up with us in the summer, ahead of next season, but we are really looking forward to working with him, and feel he has a very exciting future ahead.”

Related Brighton submit £13m bid to sign "exciting forward", they've had a response

The Seagulls are looking to bolster their squad before the transfer deadline.

Posts ByDominic Lund Feb 3, 2025

Tzimas’ arrival may yet be a sign of things to come too. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Brighton have now reached an agreement to sign Clement Bischoff in a deal worth €8m (£7m).

In what will reportedly be the Seagulls’ first summer transfer, the versatile midfielder will arrive and join up with Tzimas in the hope of turning Hurzeler’s side back into one vying for the European places.

Following a dip in form since November – culminating in a 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Nottingham Forest – Brighton will be hoping to turn a corner under their young manager and then welcome two young additions when the summer arrives.

"Excellent" Bischoff is a rising star

Such is their reputation for signing the Premier League’s next stars, Brighton fans have every reason to be excited once again in the case of Bischoff. The Brondby teenager can play both as a left-midfielder and as a left-back in what should offer Hurzeler key versatility and has even earned the praise of Ben Mattinson this season.

The analyst described the midfielder’s two-way dribbling as “excellent” and his crossing ability as “well-weighted in an early-season review of his potential and what could come next.

Having had a hand in as many as 10 goals so far this season, with two goals and eight assists, it’s clear that Bischoff is a threat on the left-hand side whether that is in midfield or from within the backline.

A rising star and another youngster that Brighton have seemingly identified, Bischoff should be one to watch when the summer arrives.

Plays of the day from the fourth ODI between New Zealand and South Africa played at Hamilton’s Seddon Park

Andrew McGlashan in Hamilton01-Mar-2017The landmark – but of a different kindQuinton de Kock was one innings away from setting a South Africa record. Instead, he gave himself a different landmark. He came into the game with five consecutive 50-plus scores in ODIs and a sixth would have been the best by a South Africa batsman (although Kepler Wessels scored one representing Australia). Instead, the run ended in abrupt fashion. Trying to open the face against his first ball from Jeetan Patel, he provided a thin nick for the wicketkeeper. It was his first golden duck in international cricket and only the second of his career in any cricket at professional level.The lost grip that didn’t cost muchMartin Guptill’s comeback was talked up in terms of his batting (more on that later) but he is also a terrific fielder. He almost showed it in 20th over when JP Duminy flicked a ball in the air towards midwicket. Guptill flung himself low to his right, clutched the ball but in the process of landing it bounced out. It was not overly costly for New Zealand as Duminy again struggled for fluency and dragged on against Tim Southee for 25.The batting adjustmentIt really shouldn’t surprise when AB de Villiers brings something brilliant out of his locker. However, the shot he played in the 49th over was stunning for the awareness it showed. He was keen to exploit third man being inside the circle and was prepared to reverse ramp or scoop anything full from Trent Boult, but the bowler also realised this and dropped the ball in short. But that didn’t stop de Villiers. Instead, he stood tall, flicked the bat around and got the ball away by playing a reverse scoop between the keeper and short third man from a standing position.The returnGuptill has batted twice this year due to his dodgy hamstrings. He scored 112 for Auckland and 61 for New Zealand. He has been able to net during his rehab but, still, a month without being in the middle, coming back against South Africa, would surely test him. Well, he slotted back in seamlessly and was racking up sixes as early as the fourth over when he cracked a blistering pull off Wayne Parnell which landed on the grass banks at deep midwicket.And the reprieveGuptill was racing along on 62 off 49 balls when he was given lbw to Dwaine Pretorius. It was a crunch moment of the game, with an uncertain clutch of allrounders to come for New Zealand. Guptill pondered for a moment then called for the review. He was spot on. Guptill was out of his crease, the ball had struck him above the pad flap and would comfortably have carried over leg stump.

It has been an incredibly tough season so far for Wolverhampton Wanderers. They recently sacked Gary O’Neil as manager, with the club reeling in 19th place in the Premier League and with just nine points to their name. The Old Gold have managed to win just two games this term.

As The Athletic reported on Thursday afternoon, Vitor Pereira will be the new Wolves boss, and will leave his post at Saudi side Al-Shabab to take the job at Molineux. He will have a big task on his hands, looking to turn the fortunes of Wolves around this season.

Naturally, the new boss will want to get a look at his whole squad, but will no doubt also want to track the progress of those out on loan, in case they are options for his side in the long run.

Wolves’ players out on loan

Firstly, it is important to note that the Old Gold have some youngsters out on loan at various clubs across the Football League. Two of those, Joe Hodge who is at Huddersfield Town, and Tawanda Chirewa who plays for Derby County, are injured and have had little involvement this season. Chem Campbell has five goals and four assists in 18 games for Reading.

In terms of their more prominent first-team players who are out on loan, one in particular is thriving, although has struggled with injury.

Hugo Bueno is playing at Feyenoord in the Netherlands this term, and he has three assists in eight Eredivisie games, including one against FC Twente.

Another full-back, Ki-Jana Hoever, is plying his trade in France with AJ Auxerre, where he has had an eventful time. The 22-year-old has an assist and a red card in 13 games so far. Winger Chiquinho is having a less smooth ride, on loan in Spain at Mallorca. He has played just 140 minutes in La Liga this term.

There is another Wolves loanee out in Spain this season, who is thriving and could certainly be a player Pereira could utilise at Molineux.

The loan star who Pereira could love

The player in question here is striker Fabio Silva. It has been a mixed time of things at the Old Gold for the youngster, who cost £35.6m from Portuguese side FC Porto. He has not really lived up to the price tag at Molineux so far, with five goals and six assists in 72 games.

However, after a few loan spells across various clubs in Europe, it seems like the striker has finally settled down somewhere. Currently plying his trade in La Liga for Las Palmas, the 22-year-old seems to be hitting his best form.

He has five goals and two assists in 12 La Liga games so far, including a goal against Catalan giants Barcelona. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “joy to watch” for a reason.

According to recent reports from Spain, via SportWitness, the striker will not be staying at El Pio-Pio beyond this season, due to financial constraints. The La Liga club cannot afford to pay his £78k-per-week wages, as per Capology.

This is certainly something that might be of interest to Pereira, who surely would not be opposed to bringing back such a talented player to the club.

Statistically on FBref, he has performed well in La Liga for Las Palmas, with an impressive 0.51 goals per game on average, ranking him in the top 18%.

Pereira has a real chance to revive Wolves’ season, and the same can be said for Silva’s career at Molineux. The Old Gold striker has not really left his mark on the club yet, but perhaps under the tutelage of the new manager, he can.

It will be fascinating to see if he can turn things around in the Midlands. An unlikely opportunity for a return to the club has presented itself, and it could be one both Silva and Pereira jump at and try to transform his career at Wolves.

As well as Andre: Pereira must instantly axe "promising" Wolves star

Vitor Pereira will want to leave his mark on the Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 19, 2024

The New York City FC's starlet has continued to impress since his transition to the first team

• Shore scores a stunning goal for NYCFC's NEXT Pro side
• Shows the reason for his rapid progression through NYCFC's youth ranks
• Midfielder signed Homegrown deal in 2023

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• WHAT HAPPENED

  In a throwback post on social media, New York City FC posted a brilliant goal from Homegrown midfielder Jonathan Shore – from his time in MLS NEXT Pro.

  The teenager dribbled past two defenders, held one off and then unleashed a lethal strike into the far corner of the net, beyond the goalkeeper. The goal, reminiscent of those scored by senior professionals, showcased Shore's exceptional technique and confidence at a very young age and the reason he has progressed so far this rapidly.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The now 17-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top, earning a place in the 2023 MLS Next All-Star roster at just 16 years old before making his debut for NYCFC earlier this season. Since then, Shore has played in five of the club’s six league games, starting three of those for a total of 345 minutes for the Eastern Conference side.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  With Shore already making his mark in the first-team, the focus will now be to keep his place in the team and find a consistent rhythm for himself going forward. The sit 10th in the Eastern Conference after a tough start to the campaign and face Minnesota United next on April 6. Following that, NYCFC host Philadelphia Union on April 12 and then go on the road to play New England Revolution on April 19 as the regular season starts to really get underway.

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has revealed how fellow Birmingham native Jude Bellingham helped him settle into the England squad.

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• Rogers earned first Three Lions call-up in November 2024
• Played a part in both Tuchel's first games in charge
• Has a close friendship with Madrid star Bellingham

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speaking to GOAL, in association with PUMA, Morgan Rogers revealed that having Jude Bellingham already in the England senior squad made his transition into international football much smoother. Rogers highlighted how Bellingham's presence, as someone he knew from their shared Birmingham roots, provided a sense of comfort and familiarity, with former Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley rewarding the 22-year-old with his first call-up back in November 2024 after his impressive form with Villa.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Both Rogers and Bellingham have emerged as two of England's brightest young talents, with both featuring in Thomas Tuchel's first games in charge of the Three Lions. Indeed, the presence of a familiar face like Bellingham's around the camp is likely to have been invaluable to Rogers as he looked to adapt to the demands and pressures of international football.

• WHAT ROGERS SAID

  "It might not be as daunting as you think, even though you might think it is when you go in there," said Rogers, reflecting on joining up with the England squad, where he now has four senior caps to his name. "It's usually never that bad. So yeah, it was really nice [to be involved with England]. Obviously the one that was really nice [in helping Rogers settle in] was probably Jude being there. Obviously playing against him and what not, and playing with him at earlier age groups."

  "It's nice to have someone that I already knew, someone that you can kind of bounce off, that you know already and that you can just be comfortable with," he added. "So yeah, that's nice to have. But to be fair, because the group's so young, you know a lot of them. Or even if you don't know them personally, you played against them. So it's easy sentence starters and an easy way to talk to people and to get to know them."

  Rogers also touched upon the importance of representing Birmingham and not forgetting his roots: "It's where I'm from, it's where I grew up. It's nice to have other people doing that. Hopefully more can come up behind me and behind Jude and Jack [Grealish]. You try to be role models and try and be leaders to follow, so yeah, it's just about not forgetting where you're from. Wherever you go to, wherever you might end up, you still know your roots."

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