Rogers dismisses claims Palmer is not committed to England

Morgan Rogers, 24, described any suggestion that Cole Palmer lacks commitment to England as “a lie” and “nonsense”, after England’s 2‑1 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley on Wednesday.

Rogers opened the scoring, while Harry Kane added a penalty, marking Kane’s record‑breaking 126th appearance for the side. Palmer, also 24, was omitted from the squad after manager Thomas Tuchel said he “misses too many chances to impress”. The Chelsea forward was also absent from the World Cup roster and withdrew from the September England camp citing a minor injury.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Rogers said: "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. 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.

But 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.

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. It's a lie.

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."