Tuchel accepts Rogers' defense of Palmer over England absences
Rogers said fitness concerns, not a lack of commitment, explained Palmer's recent absences from international duty.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said he had no objection to Morgan Rogers defending Cole Palmer's commitment to international football after England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley to reach the Nations League quarter-finals.
Rogers, who scored England's opening goal, told BBC Radio 5 Live that Palmer wanted to join the national squad and that his recent absences reflected efforts to manage his fitness. He said his Chelsea teammate had struggled with injuries last season and needed to protect his long-term career.
Asked about those remarks after the match, Tuchel said it was understandable for Rogers to support a teammate and friend. He declined to address the interview's contents directly because he had not heard it in full, instead praising Rogers for his attacking and defensive performance against Croatia.
Palmer was left out of the November squad despite playing regularly for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso. In explaining that decision, Tuchel acknowledged Palmer's wish to represent England but emphasized availability for international camps and competition for attacking places. Palmer has made three England appearances since Tuchel took charge in January 2025. England's final group fixture is against Spain in Madrid on November 15.
