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Middlesbrough set to benefit as Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers gets England call-up

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers <i>(Image: Adam Davy)</i>
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (Image: Adam Davy)

MIDDLESBROUGH are set to benefit after their former star Morgan Rogers received his first England call-up.

Rogers joined up with the senior squad on Monday night after Lee Carsley was hit with a string of withdrawals.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are all unavailable, with Jarrod Bowen, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Trafford and Newcastle's Tino Livramento called-up, along with Rogers.

And Rogers' promotion to the senior squad is good news for Boro.

It's understood England honours will trigger a further payment from Aston Villa as part of the deal struck for the former Manchester City youngster in January.

Rogers has enjoyed a remarkable first year at Villa Park, establishing himself as one of the leading stars in Unai Emery's squad, and is said to be close to agreeing a new deal with the Premier League club.

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Boro also received one further payment after Villa qualified for the Champions League last season and are now set to again benefit.

Rogers will no doubt receive a text of congratulations from his former boss Michael Carrick.

Carrick has kept in touch with the forward since his January exit and won't be surprised to see the 22-year-old earn his first England call-up.

Asked about the potential of international honours for his former forward earlier this season, Carrick said: "If he keeps doing the right things, for sure.

"I do think that to get in the England squad you have to earn that over time and he’s certainly on track to take that next step as long as he keeps doing the right things. And, at the moment, he’s doing just great."

England are away to Greece on Thursday before hosting Ireland on Sunday.