James McAtee was one of the standout players for England’s U-21 side who dismantled Austria’s U-21 team 4-1 in a 2025 U-21 European Championship clash on Monday.
McAtee started in a midfield three featuring Liverpool’s Tyler Morton and AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
The Manchester City youngster got on the scoresheet with a stunning strike — volleying in an inch-perfect cross delivered by Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall.
The highly-rated technician also won the spot-kick that led to Rogers’ opening goal.
According to Sofascore, the 21-year-old made four key passes, created one big chance and completed 31/ out of 37 of his passes against the Austrians.
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What Aston Villa’s Rogers said to Man City youngster after England U-21 beat Austria U-21
McAtee has only made one appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side this season — coming off the bench in his boyhood club’s 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich Town.
The talented midfielder got his first start of the campaign and he showcased that he is ready to perform.
McAtee may have earned himself a start for his nation’s games against Ukraine and Azerbaijan’s U-21 sides in October.
Former Manchester City and now-Aston Villa midfielder Rogers left a comment on his countryman’s post-match Instagram post after the pair ran riot against the Austrians.
The 22-year-old wrote: “Missed playing with you”, followed by a star emoji.
Liam Delap commented: “Magic.”
Scott wrote: “Superb.”
James McAtee will be hoping to get Man City minutes after international break
McAtee will be delighted with his performance as well as the praise that has come his way.
But the City wonderkid will also have his sights set on getting more minutes at club level after the international break.
With Manchester City set to play more regular football with the start of the UEFA Champions League as well as the Carabao Cup, McAtee could be in line for more regular cameos off the bench and starts.
The Englishman will have to be ready to capitalise when Pep Guardiola drafts him into the side.
Only then will McAtee gain a more important role in the senior team at City.
