‘It’s a lie’ – Rogers hits back at Palmer ‘nonsense’ in passionate 232-word defence of Chelsea teammate
Morgan Rogers has hit out at the “lies” being spread about Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer, who wasn’t called up to join him in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
It’s been suggested that Palmer – who’s got five goals and three assists for the Blues this season – is being punished by Tuchel, who said the forward “misses too many opportunities” to impress for England when he pulled out of the previous squad due to ‘load management’.
Palmer was in and out of the Chelsea team last season as he suffered from niggling injuries and has said he never truly felt 100% fit.
Most would have expected him to be called up for this round of Nations League games after rediscovering his form for Chelsea this term, but his absence – though nothing to do with him – has brought up questions surrounding his commitment to England once again.
Rogers, who came up through the Manchester City academy with Palmer, launched a staunch defence of his friend after England’s 2-1 win over Croatia, in which Rogers scored the opening goal before Harry Kane converted a penalty.
“It’s a lie. 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. People just see it as news and say the easy thing,” Rogers told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We all know he had a difficult year last year with injuries and I know personally he’s been managing them injuries ever since. 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. Of course he does, who wouldn’t? But he also has to look at his body.
“He wants to play for 10-15 years, he also has to manage himself. 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. 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. 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. But it’s something he has to deal with but I can assure you he wants to be here and he wants to play for his country.”
