MOR THAN A TEAM-MATE

Rogers hails his friendship with Bellingham which has been forged through England's youth teams

- ANDY DUNN

MORGAN ROGERS has described Jude Bellingham as his "little big brother" after sharing a "special" week with his schoolboy friend.

Rogers made his first Wembley appearance for England in the win over the Republic of Ireland, having made his debut against Greece in Athens last Thursday.

And the Aston Villa midfielder, 22, was especially thrilled to share the experience with Bellingham, having grown up playing football against the Real Madrid star and with him at England junior level.

"He's been like the little big brother for me this week, smiled Rogers. "We've been together quite a bit. We've known each other pretty much most of my life.