Morgan Rogers: England Can Beat ‘Pretty Much Anyone’

Morgan Rogers believes England should embrace the chance to reach a World Cup quarter-final as they prepare for a knockout tie against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

England face the host nation in one of football’s most famous venues, with the atmosphere, location and occasion all adding to the scale of the game.

Speaking at training, Rogers said: “I’m expecting an unbelievable atmosphere. I’m expecting an occasion and one to remember for sure.”

The Aston Villa midfielder also pointed to the wider prize available to England, adding: “The prospect of getting to a quarterfinal of a World Cup and what that means to us as players as well with that extra bit on top. I think it’s a great occasion and one that we should be excited and should be looking forward to.”

Rogers accepted Mexico’s form and home advantage will make the tie difficult, but his message was still one of confidence.

"We know that if we're at our best, we can beat pretty much anyone. So, that's the mindset and the message that we've got from everyone. So yeah, we're looking forward to it.” he said.

Mexico will have home advantage, a loud crowd and the emotion of a knockout match behind them, but Rogers framed those challenges as part of the occasion rather than something England should fear.

He also touched on the build-up to the game and the different demands England might face before kick-off.

Rogers said: “I think the build-up and everything around it, the different obstacles to go over face, I think just adds to that kind of adrenaline, that kind of excitement.”

The 23-year-old made it clear England will be ready, whatever time they are asked to play.

“Wouldn’t say an issue,” he said. “I don’t think it really affects us.”

Rogers added: “I think we’ll be ready regardless of the time.”

Rogers has had to be patient at this tournament. He was pleased with his impact off the bench in two games, but admitted he wanted to offer more after starting against Panama.

“Happy with the two games I came off the bench,” Rogers said.

He added: “I’ll be ready whatever task I’m given, whatever they want me to do and whatever position or however they want me to play.”

Rogers was quick to praise Harry Kane after the England captain’s latest decisive moment.

“Well, we’d be home without him,” he said. “Best striker in the world. There’s not much more I can say on that.”

Kane’s influence has been a constant theme for England at this tournament, and Rogers left no doubt about how much he is valued within the squad.

“That’s why he’s our captain,” Rogers said. “That’s why he’s our leader because he just leads by example.”

There was a lighter moment when Rogers was asked about the prospect of Mexico fans making noise outside the team hotel.

“I’m not concerned about it at the moment, but I won’t be happy if it wakes me up,” he said.

If it happens, Rogers said England would just see it as another obstacle to overcome, with the squad preparing for everything that comes with facing the hosts in a knockout tie.

The stage could hardly be bigger: Mexico have the home crowd, England are chasing a quarter-final spot, and Rogers knows exactly what’s at stake. But his message from training was all about belief, not caution.

England have respect for Mexico, but they are heading to the Azteca full of confidence.