Since they were schoolchildren playing for opposing Midlands clubs, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa have never played with or against one another.

After having a “special” week with his schoolboy friend, Morgan Rogers has referred to Jude Bellingham as his “little big brother.”

After making his debut against Greece in Athens last Thursday, Rogers made his first appearance at Wembley for England in the victory over the Republic of Ireland. The 22-year-old midfielder for Aston Villa, who grew up playing football with Bellingham at the England junior level and against the Real Madrid star, was particularly excited to share the experience with him.

“This week, he’s been like my little big brother,” grinned Rogers. We’ve spent a lot of time together. For the most part of my life, we have known one another. I’m friends with him, so it was wonderful to share that with him while he was here. It greatly simplified things for me.

Bellingham shared a photo of the two sitting next to one other as lads on England junior duty following the triumph in Athens, after Rogers played for 30 minutes in the 3-0 victory in Greece. “Well done, brother. Alongside the photos, Bellingham commented, “Come a long way.”

Rogers chuckled: “He’s grown up a bit since then, hasn’t he? He was much smaller back then. One of our earliest England matches together was that one. Since then, we have remained close.

Rogers replaced Anthony Gordon in the Ireland game once more, and he had an unforgettable 20-minute cameo. “I really enjoyed it,” Rogers continued. I’ve always wanted to have this experience, so being able to live it is a huge accomplishment for me. All this week, I have been beaming from ear to ear, and I am truly content.

Several players were offered senior opportunities after playing for Lee Carsley’s under-21 squad, including Rogers, who has been superb for Villa this season. “I felt I was ready to make that step up and show what I’m about,” Rogers said, expressing his hope that he has captured the attention of Thomas Tuchel, who begins his new position on January 1. I hope I’ve accomplished enough. I want to return here soon and will have another chance to demonstrate my character when I return to my club.

And it’s obvious that he would adore returning to Bellingham’s side, whose incredible success has motivated his longtime pal. You look up to someone like that who comes from the same neighborhood as you, Rogers added. Since he’s my friend, you watch him carefully and want him to succeed.

You can’t help but be pleased for him when you watch him succeed. You can’t help but smile and take that in when you get to play with him and be around him.

Even though he clearly enjoys playing alongside Bellingham, he smiles when he remembers their games against one another in the Midlands, Bellingham for Birmingham and Rogers for West Brom. “We played each other all the time. Rogers stated, “West Brom-Blues games.” “He never succeeded.”

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