Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins Spark Debate Over Fastest England Player
The debate over who holds the title of “Fastest Player in the England Squad” has stirred up some lively conversation between Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins. The two teammates found themselves in a light-hearted disagreement over the matter during a fun and competitive game of ‘Guess Who?’ on ITV Sport’s YouTube channel. As one might expect, opinions were divided, and the discussion revealed just how fiercely competitive professional athletes can be, even off the pitch.
It all began when the topic of speed came up in the game, which tasked the players with giving clues about a mystery individual for the other to guess. With the clue “fastest man in the squad,” Watkins confidently asserted:
“He’s the fastest man on the planet. No, not on the planet. He’s the fastest man in the squad by a mile.”
The statement was bold, but it quickly sparked a reaction from Rogers, who retorted with skepticism, “Anthony Gordon?” Watkins, however, was quick to deny the claim: “Nah.”
Rogers, evidently surprised, doubled down: “He’s not quicker than Anthony, whoever you’re on about.” This prompted Watkins to reveal his choice: none other than Manchester City captain Kyle Walker, a player renowned for his blistering pace.
The exchange was playful but highlighted the ongoing debates among players and fans alike about who truly possesses the quickest feet in football. While Rogers leaned towards Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, a young winger who has quickly become a key player for England, Watkins stood by his pick of Walker, who has been a mainstay in the England defense for years, not just for his defensive skills but also for his speed in tracking down opposition attackers.
The Rise of Anthony Gordon as a Speed Demon
Anthony Gordon has been making waves not just for his impressive performances on the pitch but also for his sheer pace. The Newcastle United winger has become a regular fixture in the England squad since Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager, and he hasn’t disappointed. During the November international break, Gordon marked a milestone moment by scoring his first England goal in a dominant 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium.
While Gordon’s rise has been meteoric, his speed has also turned heads. Many, including Rogers, believe Gordon is the fastest player in the squad. It’s not just a baseless claim, either—his acceleration and top-end speed are evident every time he takes to the field. However, curiously enough, despite his reputation as England’s speedster, Gordon hasn’t been the fastest player for his club, Newcastle United, this season. That honor goes to Harvey Barnes, who clocked an eye-watering 34.7 km/h, tying him with other speedsters like Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene, Leicester City’s James Justin, and Bournemouth’s Julian Araujo.
Kyle Walker: The Veteran Speedster
Watkins’ pick, Kyle Walker, is a name synonymous with speed in football. The Manchester City captain has built a career on his ability to combine raw pace with defensive solidity, making him a nightmare for attackers who dare to challenge him. Walker’s speed has been a constant talking point throughout his career, and while he may not always top the charts in terms of raw numbers, his reputation as one of the fastest players in the game remains intact.
Interestingly, even within his club side, Walker isn’t the fastest player. That distinction belongs to Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland. Yes, the towering Norwegian forward, known for his clinical finishing and physicality, has also claimed the title of City’s speed king, proving that size and speed can coexist in devastating fashion.
The Speed Debate: A Matter of Opinion?
The playful banter between Watkins and Rogers is a reflection of the subjective nature of such debates. Speed in football is about more than just numbers on a stat sheet—it’s about context, perception, and impact. A player might not clock the highest top speed in a match, but their ability to use their pace effectively, whether to make a darting run into the box or track back to prevent a counterattack, is what truly counts.
Fans and pundits alike have long debated who the fastest player is, and the conversation is unlikely to end anytime soon. Whether it’s Anthony Gordon’s electrifying runs, Kyle Walker’s relentless sprints, or even Erling Haaland’s surprising burst of speed, the title of “fastest” is as much about personal bias and admiration as it is about cold, hard data.
For now, Watkins and Rogers may have to agree to disagree. But one thing is certain: England’s squad is blessed with an abundance of speed, and fans can look forward to seeing these players leave defenders in the dust in matches to come.
