Morgan Rogers has dismissed as a “lie” suggestions that his Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer does not want to represent England.
Palmer, 24, was not selected by manager Thomas Tuchel for England’s Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday before facing Spain on Sunday night.
Tuchel raised questions about Palmer’s availability in September, saying the Chelsea forward “misses too many opportunities to impress him” after Palmer withdrew from that month’s Nations League fixtures because of injury.
Rogers, who scored England’s opening goal against Croatia, defended Palmer and said his commitment to the national team had never been in doubt.
“It’s a lie,” Rogers told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“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.”
Palmer, who did not make last summer’s World Cup squad, has scored five goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season.
Rogers said a series of injuries had affected Palmer during the previous year and that the forward was trying to manage his fitness carefully.
“We all know he had a difficult year last year with injuries and I know personally he’s been managing them injuries ever since,” he said.
“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.”
Rogers added that Palmer’s decision to protect his long-term fitness should not be interpreted as a lack of interest in England.
“Of course he does, who wouldn’t? But he also has to look at his body. He wants to play for 10/15 years, he also has to manage himself,” he said.
“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. 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.”
Tuchel said Rogers was entitled to defend his team-mate after England’s win over Croatia.
“It’s totally fine. He’s his team-mate and friend, so why wouldn’t he?” said the German.
“I was very happy with the commitment of Morgan Rogers and that’s what matters.”
Why has Tuchel left Palmer out?
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett said Tuchel’s decision sent a message to Palmer and other players hoping to establish themselves in the England squad.
“The message is stark – you have to be present, you have to be committed, you have to be humble, as part of a wider push for a positive squad dynamic,” said Dorsett.
He said Tuchel did not doubt Palmer’s ability, noting that the Chelsea player had eight goal involvements in 11 matches, more than either Ebere Eze or Morgan Gibbs-White this season. Both were included in the squad while Palmer was omitted.
Dorsett added that Palmer had been unavailable through injury five times since Tuchel became England manager in January 2025. On two occasions, Palmer had initially been selected before withdrawing, and he has played only three matches during Tuchel’s tenure.
Tuchel expects the commitment shown by John Stones, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, who have each spent time with the squad despite being unavailable to play.
Dorsett said the decision represented a warning to Palmer and a wider reminder that selection depended on availability and commitment, even for a player who scored for England in a Euros final two years ago.
