Rogers brands Palmer England commitment doubts 'a lie' after Croatia winner

Morgan Rogers has forcefully rejected claims that Cole Palmer lacks commitment to England, insisting his Chelsea teammate “wants to be here” after Thomas Tuchel omitted Palmer from the squad for the final Nations League fixtures of the 2026 cycle.

Rogers was on the scoresheet as England beat Croatia at Wembley, setting up a group decider with Spain in Madrid. Palmer, however, was a notable absentee — and Tuchel offered pointed words in explaining the decision, suggesting the midfielder “misses too many opportunities to impress”.

Since Tuchel succeeded Gareth Southgate in 2024, Palmer has featured just three times for England. He was included in Tuchel’s first squad but withdrew despite playing every Chelsea league game up to that point. After a difficult period of form at club level, he also missed out on the World Cup squad before being left out again for these fixtures.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Rogers pushed back hard on any suggestion that Palmer’s absences reflect a reluctance to represent his country. “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,” Rogers said.

“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.”

Rogers was unequivocal in dismissing the wider narrative. “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.”

Tuchel, for his part, maintained there was no personal element to the omission, pointing to squad depth in Palmer’s position and a desire to reward continuity from the previous camp. “We have enough number 10s and we stick to the guys who were in the previous camp because we were happy with the two and a half weeks we had together,” the Germany head coach said.

“I guess everyone is desperate to play for England and Cole is no exception. It’s not personal. We will never assume Cole is in the mindset never to come to the camp. Cole is always in our mindset but the competition is on.”