Morgan Rogers Defends Cole Palmer, Calls Commitment Claims “a Lie
England midfielder Morgan Rogers scored in a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley, then defended Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer against claims he is not committed to the national team. Coach Thomas Tuchel left Palmer out of the squad.
England's Morgan Rogers called accusations that Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer is not committed to the national team "a lie" after scoring in a 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley.
Palmer was left out of head coach Thomas Tuchel's squad for the games against Croatia and Spain. He had pulled out of the previous squad, his fourth international withdrawal.
Tuchel's criticism of Palmer
Tuchel claimed Palmer has "missed too many opportunities to play for his country". He admitted it was "hard to argue" with those who questioned the forward's commitment.
England checked Palmer's fitness with Chelsea medics before naming the squad. They were told he was fit and ready to play. Tuchel left him out anyway.
Rogers defends his friend
Rogers answered the criticism after the win. "It's a lie," he said. "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."
He said Palmer had a difficult year with injuries last year and has managed them ever since. "He was in quite a low place with his injuries last year and didn't feel 100 per cent himself on the pitch," Rogers said.
Rogers argued that a player must look after his body. "He wants to play for 10-15 years, he also has to manage himself," he said. "It has nothing to do with England or not wanting to play with England."
He called it "a nonsense really" that people question someone who wants to play for England. He pointed to the joy and smile Palmer shows on the pitch. Rogers said he still hopes to build on their partnership at Chelsea in an England shirt, "hopefully sooner rather than later".
Tuchel was told of Rogers' comments. "It's totally fine," he said. "It's his team-mate and I guess his friend, so why shouldn't he?" The coach said he had not seen the remarks and would not comment on them.
Kane milestone, White booed
Harry Kane scored England's winning goal from the penalty spot on his record-breaking 126th appearance for the national team. Before kick-off, the England captain received a presentation and showed his Ballon d'Or trophy to the Wembley crowd.
"I'm trying to take everything in," Kane said. "It's an important milestone in England's history but once the whistle goes, the most important thing is the match and trying to win."
Some England fans booed Ben White when he came on as a second-half substitute. Tuchel defended the defender. "There is no reason to doubt his commitment or passion," he said.
The coach said White overcame the boos last time and he had thought the team was past it. "I hope we can start a new chapter with him," Tuchel said.
