Lee Carsley delivers verdict on Curtis Jones and Morgan Rogers after their England debuts

Yesterday at 05:42 PM

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers were both handed their England debuts in their Nations League trip to Greece on Thursday night.

The Liverpool academy graduate has been in fine form for Arne Slot’s team this season, helping them go top of the Premier League table and the Champions League standings.

Meanwhile, the Aston Villa ace has been a revelation for Unai Emery’s side since he swapped Middlesbrough for Villa Park earlier this year.

As a result, both Jones and Rogers were awarded with a spot in the England team for their encounters against Greece and the Republic of Ireland this month.

The Liverpool ace was named in the starting XI, while the Villa attacker came on in the 66th minute of the match in Athens.

Jones had a night to remember as he marked his debut with a sumptuous back-heeled goal, while Rogers also didn’t look out of place at international level.

England ran out 3-0 winners over Greece as Carsley’s bold England player selection reaped dividends and he spoke highly of both debutants after the match.

READ MORE: Martin Keown says Liverpool have the best player in the Premier League in his position

Liverpool’s Curtis Jones deemed ‘outstanding’ while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been ‘really good’

Carsley told ITV Football after the game, as per Sky Sports News: “We are moving in the right direction.

“Big game on Sunday (against the Republic of Ireland) at Wembley. Important we now recover and get ready for that.

“It was important that the players played to their strength. It was about players getting an opportunity and we saw that tonight.

“Curtis is an outstanding player and I am delighted for him. These players play week in and week out in the Premier League.

“Rogers has been really good for Villa and maybe could have been in the senior squad sooner.”

How the media rated Jones and Rogers

Numerous media outlets were blown away by Jones’ debut in wake of his overall impressive display capped off by a superb goal.

Goal.com gave Rogers a 6 out of 10 and said he made a ‘reasonable debut from the bench’, while The Express – who also gave him a 6 – said he ‘didn’t look out of place’.

England are next in action on Sunday evening as they host the Republic of Ireland at Wembley in a 5pm kick-off.

Liverpool then return to action on Sunday 24 November when they head to Southampton in a 2pm kick-off in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Villa will host Crystal Palace on Saturday 23 November, the Premier League match scheduled to kick off at 3pm.