Morgan Rogers defends Cole Palmer's commitment to England after squad omission

Chelsea forward Morgan Rogers dismissed suggestions that teammate Cole Palmer is not committed to the England national team, calling them "a lie" and "nonsense" during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live after England's 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Croatia.

Rogers, who scored the opening goal, said Palmer wants to play for England and is focused on managing his body after a period of injuries. > "He wants to be here. He wanted to get called up and he wanted to come and represent his country as he always has done," Rogers said. > "He was in quite a low place with his injuries last year and didn't feel 100% himself on the pitch, so he wants to be here and he wants to be the best version of himself."

Rogers added that Palmer's recent withdrawal from an England camp in September was due to a minor injury and that the player must consider his long-term health. > "He also has to look at his body. He wants to play for 10 or 15 years, he also has to manage himself. If he has to manage himself in the short term for the greater good then he has to do that and you have to fully support it."

England manager Thomas Tuchel has not selected Palmer for recent squads, stating the player "misses too many chances to impress" and that the team has sufficient options in the number-10 role. Tuchel emphasized that the decision is not personal and that Palmer remains in his thoughts. > "I guess everyone is desperate to play for England and Cole is no exception. It's not personal. We will never assume Cole is in the mindset never to come to the camp. Cole is always in our mindset but the competition is on."

Palmer, who has 14 caps and two goals for England, was named the England men's player of the year for the 2023-24 season after a strong domestic season with 50 Premier League goals and 24 assists. However, he has featured in only three of Tuchel's 27 matches since the manager took over.