Morgan Rogers defends Cole Palmer after England squad omission

Morgan Rogers has defended Cole Palmer's commitment to England after the Chelsea forward was left out of Thomas Tuchel's latest squad. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live following England's 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia, Rogers said his club team-mate wanted to represent his country and rejected suggestions that his absences reflected a lack of interest in international football.

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Rogers, who is also Palmer's childhood friend, linked the situation to the forward's efforts to manage his fitness. He said Palmer had struggled with injuries last year and had not felt fully himself on the pitch. Rogers argued that managing his body in the short term was important to sustaining a long career, rather than evidence that he did not want to join England camps.

Palmer, 24, withdrew from England's September camp citing a minor injury, according to BBC Sport. He had been selected for that gathering after missing out on the World Cup squad, but had played in all of Chelsea's league fixtures before withdrawing. Tuchel subsequently left him out of the current squad and said the attacker had missed too many opportunities to demonstrate his qualities with England.

The England manager also made clear that the decision was not personal. Tuchel said he did not question Palmer's desire to play for the national team and that the player remained under consideration. His explanation centred on competition for the number 10 role and satisfaction with those involved in the previous camp, rather than any suggestion that Palmer had permanently closed the door on international duty.

BBC Sport reported that Palmer has made 14 England appearances in the three years since his debut, contributing two goals and one assist. One of those goals came in the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain, and he was named England's men's player of the year for the 2023-24 season. However, he has appeared in only three of Tuchel's 27 matches in charge.

Rogers delivered his backing after scoring England's opening goal against Croatia at Wembley. Harry Kane added a penalty as he made a record 126th appearance for the men's national side. Palmer remained outside the squad, with Tuchel's comments leaving future selection open while emphasising the competition he faces for a place.