Chelsea forward Morgan Rogers has strongly defended his teammate Cole Palmer following suggestions that the 24-year-old lacks commitment to the England national team.
Palmer was notably absent from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, despite being fit and available for selection, sparking fresh debate about his limited involvement with the Three Lions.
Since Tuchel became England manager in January 2025, Palmer has made just three appearances for his country across two international camps.
The Chelsea star endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign due to a recurring groin injury, which affected his fitness and forced him to withdraw from England’s October international fixtures with a minor problem.
Although Palmer was available for the latest international assignment, England reportedly contacted Chelsea to assess his condition before Tuchel eventually decided against including him in the squad.
The forward’s repeated absences have attracted criticism, with questions raised about his willingness to represent his country. However, Rogers, who shares a close friendship with Palmer and is also his Chelsea teammate, has dismissed the suggestions.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Rogers insisted that Palmer remains eager to play for England and has never lacked enthusiasm for representing his country.
He said: “He wants to be here. He wanted to get called up and he wanted to come and represent his country, and 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 after his body. He wants to play for 10 or 15 years, so he has to manage himself as well. If he needs 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 for England. It’s really nonsense that people are questioning someone who wants to play for England. It’s a lie.
“You see the joy and the smile on his face, and how much he loves the game, so I honestly don’t understand it, and neither does he.”
Rogers’ comments come after Tuchel expressed concerns about Palmer’s limited availability for international duty.
Speaking in September, the England manager said the Chelsea attacker had missed several opportunities to feature for the national team, although he was careful not to blame the player directly.
Tuchel stated: “He misses too many opportunities, and I don’t blame him for it, it’s just the fact.”
Despite the ongoing discussions surrounding Palmer’s international future, Rogers has made it clear that his friend remains committed to England and that managing his fitness should not be mistaken for a lack of patriotism.