‘It’s a lie’: Morgan Rogers defends Cole Palmer over England commitment claims

Morgan Rogers has dismissed suggestions that Cole Palmer lacks commitment to England, insisting his Chelsea team-mate remains desperate to represent his country despite his recent injury problems.

According to GOAL, Palmer was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for November’s Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, having previously withdrawn from several international camps because of muscular issues.

Speaking after England’s 2-1 victory over Croatia, Rogers, who grew up alongside Palmer in Manchester City’s academy, 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.”

Rogers explained that Palmer has struggled with injuries and must manage his fitness carefully to protect his long-term career. “He wants to play for 10-15 years, he also has to manage himself,” Rogers added, dismissing the criticism as “nonsense”.