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Morgan Rogers has leapt to the defence of Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer by asserting that it is “a lie” to question whether he is committed to the England cause.
Palmer was left out of the England squad by Thomas Tuchel once again for the November internationals, with the England coach saying “he misses too many opportunities to impress” after withdrawing from the previous camp with a minor injury.
The Chelsea forward was also one of the notable absentees from England’s roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Rogers, who scored in Thursday’s 2-1 win over Croatia, has hit back at any suggestion that Palmer’s struggle for favour is down to his devotion to the national team.
Rogers told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s a lie. 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. People just see it as news and say the easy thing.
“We all know he had a difficult year last year with injuries and I know personally he’s been managing the injuries ever since.
“He was in quite a low place with his injuries last year and didn’t feel 100 per cent himself on the pitch, so he wants to be here and he wants to be the best version of himself. Of course he does, who wouldn’t?
“But he also has to look at his body. He wants to play for 10, 15 years. If he has to manage himself in the short term for the greater good then you have to fully support it. It has nothing to do with England or not wanting to play with England.
“It’s a nonsense really that people are questioning someone that wants to play for England. You see the joy and smile on his face, how much he loves the game, so I honestly don’t get it and he doesn’t get it. I can assure you he wants to be here and he wants to play for his country.”
Palmer was one of five withdrawals at the start of the last camp, with Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Tino Livramento and Marcus Rashford also pulling out.
Rice is the only one of that quintet recalled as Tuchel reiterated that he will always give preference to those who “walk the talk”.
Rogers nevertheless hopes to see Palmer, who has started every Chelsea game this season, return to the fold “sooner rather than later”.
“Of course I do,” Rogers added. “What a player he is. What a person he is and it’s someone you want to see in an England shirt.
“He’s got so much quality, so much ability. We all know what he can do, what he’s done, so of course we want to see him in an England shirt and hopefully sooner rather than later.”
Rogers’ passionate defence of Palmer was put to Tuchel in his post-match press conference.
“It’s totally fine,” the England boss said. “He’s his team-mate and I guess his friend, so why wouldn’t he? Why wouldn’t he make an emotional statement if he did it?
“I didn’t hear it, so I will not comment on it. All I can say is I was very happy with the emotional commitment from Morgan and the physical commitment of Morgan Rogers.
“I think he was the standout player today, offensively and defensively, and that’s what matters.”
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