Bellingham and Rogers reveal lifelong bond as childhood friends unite at World Cup 2026

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers have spoken openly about a friendship forged in the West Midlands long before either wore a senior England shirt, with the pair now reunited as teammates at the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

Rogers, 23, who grew up in Halesowen, and Bellingham, from nearby Stourbridge, came through England’s youth ranks together and also faced each other in junior football. The Aston Villa midfielder described the Real Madrid star as his “little big brother” — a relationship Bellingham himself said was a “perfect description” of where they stand.

“That self-confidence is why we are here,” Bellingham said. “What point would it be to stop that now and be like everyone else? There is that element of self-confidence where people from Birmingham, West Midlands, Stourbridge, West Bromwich, Halesowen — everyone has the swagger and fancies themselves at what they do, which is important.”

Rogers reflected on the squad’s mood as England moved from their Florida base to their World Cup hub in Kansas City. “It is a mental shift and I think it is perfect timing really,” he said. “We needed to reintegrate as a team, play a couple of games, enjoy each other’s company, get reconnected. Now it is show time.”

Some supporters have speculated that the two compete for the same position, but Bellingham dismissed any suggestion of rivalry souring their relationship. “I honestly have no ill-feeling when he is playing and I’m not playing, and that is a representative of where we are from,” he said.

Speaking on the FA’s ‘Lions’ Den’ podcast, Rogers also highlighted the strength of the wider England dressing room. “It is easy for people to come into the group because we are really together and really aligned. We all get together, sit at a big table, have a big debate and everyone gets involved regardless of age.”

Bellingham offered a typically understated verdict on his long-time friend: “He is a joy to play with and compete against. That is all I will say — I am never going to say that again.”