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Bellingham and Rogers to get freedom of Dudley

Trystan JonesWest Midlands
News imageGetty Images Jude Bellingham in the Number 10 shirt and Morgan Rogers in Number 17 with their arms around each other. The Miami stadium is out of focus in the background. There is also a photographer with a blue bib on the leftGetty Images
Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers celebrated the victory over Norway together on the pitch in Miami

England stars Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are to be offered the freedom of Dudley.

The boyhood friends, who grew up a few miles apart, shared the pitch together in Miami on Saturday as Bellingham's two goals sent the Three Lions through to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Two days before England face Argentina at Atlanta Stadium for a place in the final, Dudley Borough Council named the pair among those to receive the freedom of the borough.

Council leader Patrick Harley said it was the "highest honour we can bestow", adding that it was reserved "for those whose service, achievements and dedication have made an exceptional contribution to our borough and its people".

The decision was announced at a meeting of full council on Monday and formal presentations are expected to take place later in the year.

It means Bellingham, from Stourbridge, and Rogers, from Halesowen, follow the likes of comedian Lenny Henry and wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley.

News imageA photographic quality mural of Jude Bellingham on the left and Morgan Rogers on the right eating from a shared bag of chips. It is on a white wall next to a Fish and Chip shop sign
A new mural, one of several to feature Bellingham, depicts the pair eating the Black Country delicacy of orange chips - unlikely to be approved by England's nutritionists

Other names put forward on Monday included armed forces veterans, former Dudley College CEO Lowell Williams, Priory Park Boxing Club and councillor Shaukat Ali.

"This year's recipients represent the very best of Dudley," Harley said.

"From our armed forces veterans, who have shown extraordinary courage and sacrifice in service to our country, to community champions, sporting role models and dedicated public servants, each has made a lasting impact and brought great pride to our borough."

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