Morgan Rogers faces question from unlikely source in England press conference ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final with Norway - 'Hello mate!'
Published 08/07/2026 at 22:02 GMT+1
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Athletes are used to fielding all sorts of questions during press conferences, but on Wednesday, England midfielder Morgan Rogers was thrown a curveball during his media duties he definitely was not expecting.
‘So proud’ - Tuchel speaks of mixed emotions after England win over Mexico
Video credit: SNTV
Rogers was speaking to the media from England's base in KC Parks in Kansas City when a new 'reporter' was handed the microphone.
To the surprise of the 23-year-old, it was his England team-mate, Djed Spence, preparing to address him.
"Hello mate," a shocked Rogers said, before he was put on the spot to settle a debate that has clearly been brewing in the England camp.
"There's been a lot of speculation in recent weeks about who's the fastest in the squad," Spence began, eliciting a big laugh from Rogers on the podium.
"Is it true that Djed Spence is fastest in the squad?"
Rogers could not hide his amusement, but he did eventually give the question his full attention.
"Let's just say I wouldn't bet against you in a race," Rogers told Spence. "But there's a couple saying that they might have you.
"Anthony Gordon being one of them so I'd like to see that race. We'll see who wins. But I wouldn't bet against you."
The answer seemed to satisfy Spence's curiosities, as the microphone was handed back to the press conference organisers so normal proceedings could resume.
Rogers had warmed up for his media duties with a game of darts with former England striker Peter Crouch.
He was speaking to reporters days after England's heroic 3-2 victory over Mexico on Saturday, which booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A brace from Jude Bellingham had given the Three Lions a two-goal advantage midway through the first half, but Julian Quinones halved their lead just before the break.
Jarell Quansah’s red card at the start of the second half reduced England to 10 men, but Harry Kane's penalty re-established the two-goal lead on the hour mark before Raul Jimenez once again pulled a goal back for Mexico, also from the spot.
It set up a thrilling rearguard action from Thomas Tuchel's side for the remaining 20 minutes to hold on to their slender advantage, eventually closing out a famous win.
And Rogers said that he was not surprised by England's performance in tough conditions against a previously unbeaten side in a hostile atmosphere at altitude.
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"I think it was more about showing everyone else. We knew that in ourselves that we had that extra bit of what it takes," he explained. "Everyone can be a good team, everyone can have good players and win games off ability.
"But we knew we had that difference of togetherness, grit and determination that I think hadn't been shown in the games we've played and the way that they've gone. It hasn't necessarily required that.
"So a game to require that and win that way showed to the world that we can win in different types of ways, in different atmospheres, different environments that you have to go through as a team. And to do that, gives us a lot of confidence."
England will face Norway in Miami on Saturday in their last-eight clash, with a semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland on the line.
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