Morgan Rogers, a central figure in Aston Villa’s midfield, couldn’t help but express admiration for Thomas Tuchel’s remarkable presence. As the fresh face leading England’s national team, Tuchel is clearly focusing on building camaraderie among his players before making his debut this coming Friday.
England will face Albania at Wembley in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, quickly followed by a match against Latvia in London three days later.
Rogers, who made his debut appearance for England against Greece last November while Lee Carsley was interim manager, found himself included in Tuchel’s inaugural squad for the Three Lions. Joining him is his Villa teammate, Marcus Rashford.
Tuchel, at 51 years of age, boasts an impressive career, capturing 11 major trophies, including a Champions League victory with Chelsea in 2021. Rogers recounted how strong Tuchel’s impact was on him, admitting he dressed in a suit and tie for their first introduction over a brief Zoom call held a few weeks ago.
“When I first met him, you could sense his aura and his confident demeanor immediately,” Rogers shared. “It’s tough to put into words, but there’s this instant respect he commands.”
“He’s incredibly laid-back and serene, but when it’s go-time, he’s all in,” Rogers continued. “Given his track record and the high regard he’s held by players and managers alike, you know he’s coming in with solid plans. It’s up to us to absorb and learn.”
Tuchel has emphasized the need for improved communication within the England squad, according to Rogers.
“Things won’t always be perfect. It’s about sticking together, communicating,” Rogers remarked.
“Having everyone on the same wavelength significantly impacts our game. I’ve realized that personally through my experiences in various clubs and teams, with the leadership support I’ve had both on and off the field.”
This season, Rogers has contributed seven goals to Unai Emery’s team in the league and noted that Tuchel’s discourse during team meetings has been nothing short of “clear and transparent.”
The 22-year-old emphasized, “What really struck me was his dedication to fostering love and commitment among us, making us feel like a tight-knit family.”
“His presence is unique. Every manager has their distinct style, but his is something completely new to me,” Rogers added, underscoring the fresh energy Tuchel brings to the table.
