Rogers: Mexico test is an occasion to remember

Morgan Rogers is expecting “an occasion to remember” when England take on FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16.

The Three Lions travel to Mexico City for Sunday’s game, with a place in the quarter-finals against Brazil or Norway up for grabs for the winners.

El Tri have won all four of their tournament matches without conceding a goal on home soil, with three of those coming at a packed Mexico City Stadium.

Rogers is relishing the opportunity to play at one of the world’s most famous grounds for the first time, and he insists Thomas Tuchel’s squad are excited to face the challenge head on.

Asked if it’ll be the biggest game of his career so far, Rogers said: “Probably it is, yeah.

“I’m expecting an unbelievable atmosphere. I’m expecting an occasion to remember, for sure.

“The build up and everything around it, the different obstacles we’ve got to face, I think just adds to that adrenaline, that kind of excitement we have as a team about the prospect of getting to a quarter-final of a World Cup.

“What that means to us as players, with that extra bit on top, I think it’s a great occasion and one we should be looking forward to.

“Of course we know the difficulties, how well they’re playing, the atmosphere… but we’ve got to focus on ourselves and we know that if we’re at our best then we can beat pretty much anyone, so that’s the mindset and the message.”

Rogers started the 2-0 group stage win over Panama, and featured as a substitute in the opening victory against Croatia and draw with Ghana.

Expanding on his own tournament so far, the Aston Villa midfielder said: “I’ve been happy with the two games I came off the bench, but probably wanted to impact the game I started against Panama a bit more. I think I did well at times but I could’ve impacted the game more.

“Sometimes the games are tough and they demand different things, and they may not always be suited to me necessarily, so it’s just about how I can adapt and be better.

“I’ll be ready for whatever task I’m given, whatever position they want me to play. I’ll be ready to show my ability and what I can do on this stage.”

One player who certainly did that during the round of 32 win against DR Congo was Harry Kane. The Three Lions captain scored twice in the final 15 minutes to turn the game on its head and send England into the next knockout stage.

“Best striker in the world, and he has been for a number of years,” Rogers said of Kane.

“Time and time again he performs and delivers on the biggest stage, and we’re going to need him again.

“That’s why he’s our captain and that’s why he’s our leader because he leads by example. He does everything right every day.

“He’s an inspiration for all English players, whether you’re with him or you’re not. He’s someone you should idolise and look up to about how to get yourself ready for these big moments, how he prepares and gets himself ready to deliver. It’s no surprise.”