Morgan Rogers rejects claims Cole Palmer lacks commitment to England

Chelsea and England forward Morgan Rogers has dismissed suggestions that team-mate Cole Palmer is not committed to the national side, describing the claims as “a lie”.

Palmer was omitted from England’s November Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain, prompting debate over his desire to represent the Three Lions.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel had referred to Palmer missing several opportunities to establish himself in his team after withdrawing from recent international squads because of muscular problems.

But Rogers defended his Chelsea colleague after England’s 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.

“It’s a lie. He wants to be here,” Rogers told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“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 has endured a difficult period with injuries, according to Rogers, who said the 24-year-old had been managing those problems for some time.

“We all know he had a difficult year last year with injuries and I know personally he’s been managing them injuries ever since,” Rogers said.

“He was in quite a low place with his injuries last year and didn’t feel 100 percent 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.

“It’s a nonsense really that people are questioning someone that wants to play for England.”

Rogers will now turn his attention to England’s next Nations League fixture against Spain in Madrid on Sunday.

England have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals.