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For some footballers, reaching the top seems effortless.

These are the players who appear destined for success, smoothly advancing through youth levels and quickly making their mark in senior football. Others, however, must fight through adversity, respond to disappointments, and take a tougher route to achieve their dreams.

Morgan Rogers’ early journey fits firmly into the second category. The former Manchester City prospect experienced several loan spells that didn’t always unfold as planned.

But now, as a vital part of Aston Villa’s push for a top-five Premier League finish and preparing for his first World Cup with England this summer, the 23-year-old believes those early challenges have helped shape both the footballer and the person he has become.

When asked whether playing for England’s senior team ever seemed far-fetched during his difficult loan spells at Bournemouth and Blackpool, Rogers gave a candid reply.

“I wasn’t really thinking about that, but yeah, there were times where it was nowhere near on the radar,” he told FourFourTwo.

“There have been difficult moments, dark times where it hasn’t always gone my way and it’s been challenging, but that’s all part and parcel of football.”

“It makes you a better player and a better person – it makes you stronger. To overcome setbacks is only a good thing.”

Rogers finally made his senior England debut in 2024 after representing the national side at every youth level from under-15s upwards. Interim manager Lee Carsley handed him his first cap during a 3-0 Nations League win in Greece.

“It came so quickly,” he recalled. “I got called into the squad late and was hoping to maybe get a couple of minutes at the end of one game, not to come on after an hour when we needed a goal – we were only 1-0 up when I came on – so that was a lovely feeling.”

“The fact that it all happened so fast was probably the best thing for me.”

“Just to rush, get changed and get on as soon as possible, not really letting the moment sink in and just playing the game for what it was.”

Rogers shared these thoughts during a visit to Puma’s first European flagship store on Oxford Street in London.

— Reported by Chris Flanagan, Senior Staff Writer