Morgan Rogers slams Cole Palmer England claims as Chelsea star’s injury struggles revealed

Chelsea midfielder Morgan Rogers has strongly defended teammate Cole Palmer against suggestions that he does not want to represent England, describing the claims as "a lie".

Palmer was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's November squad after injury problems disrupted his involvement in previous international camps.

However, Rogers insists the 24-year-old remains determined to play for his country and has been carefully managing his fitness following a difficult period.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after England's 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia on Thursday, Rogers explained why he believes the criticism is unfair.

"It's a lie. He wants to be here," Rogers said.

"He wanted to get called up and he wanted to come and represent his country as he always has done."

The Chelsea midfielder believes Palmer's recent injury problems have been overlooked.

"We all know he had a difficult year last year with injuries," Rogers explained.

"He was in quite a low place with his injuries last year and didn't feel 100 per cent himself on the pitch."

Rogers stressed that protecting Palmer's long-term fitness must take priority.

"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."

He insisted that Palmer's situation has nothing to do with a lack of international commitment.

"It's a nonsense really that people are questioning someone that wants to play for England."

Asked whether he wanted Palmer back in the squad, Rogers replied:

"Of course I do. What a player he is."

Tuchel had previously explained Palmer's omission by saying the Chelsea attacker "misses too many opportunities to impress".

Palmer also missed England's 2026 World Cup squad and withdrew from an earlier Nations League camp because of injury.

However, the England manager has maintained that the decision is not personal and that Palmer remains under consideration.

Rogers' defence followed his own impressive performance against Croatia, when he scored England's opening goal at Wembley.

Asked about the comments afterwards, Tuchel said it was understandable for Rogers to support his teammate and friend.

"It's totally fine," the England manager said.

He also praised Rogers' performance, describing him as England's standout player both offensively and defensively.

For Palmer, the immediate challenge remains maintaining his fitness and demonstrating that he deserves another international opportunity.

England face Spain in Madrid on Sunday, 15 November, in their final Nations League group-stage fixture. Palmer will remain with Chelsea as he looks to strengthen his case for a future international recall.