Rogers hits back at doubts over Palmer's England commitment

Morgan Rogers has called any suggestion that Cole Palmer is not committed to England "a lie" and "nonsense". Rogers, who scored England's opening goal in a 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League, told BBC Radio 5 Live that Palmer "wants to be here" and had wanted to be called up.

The doubts grew after Palmer was left out of the squad. England manager Thomas Tuchel said Palmer "misses too many chances to impress". Palmer had also withdrawn from the previous England camp in September, citing a minor injury.

Palmer's international record is short but productive. In the three years since his debut, he has won 14 caps (appearances for his country) and scored twice, with one assist. He also scored in England's Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.

The Croatia match had its own milestone. Harry Kane made his 126th England appearance, a record-breaking total for the men's team. Kane also added a penalty to Rogers' opener, and England took the win.

For fans, the debate is less about one player than about how a squad gets chosen. A manager can drop a player for form, fitness or attitude, and the reasons are often hard to read from the outside. Rogers's words are his own view of his team-mate, and Tuchel's are his explanation of his selection. Both have now been said in public, and the next squad list will show how far they settle the question.

Nations League matches count for less than a major tournament, but they still offer England a chance to test players and build form. For Palmer, the question is simple to state. He needs to get back into the squad and show the manager the chances he has been missing.