Rogers defends Chelsea team-mate Palmer

England boss Thomas Tuchel said it was “totally fine” for Morgan Rogers to defend his Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer after the midfielder scored in the Nations League win over Croatia.

Rogers opened the scoring at Wembley in the 24th minute, stabbing in after Jude Bellingham had turned a Harry Kane pass into the box. Petar Sucic equalised for Croatia before Kane’s 64th-minute penalty secured a 2-1 victory.

Palmer was left out of Tuchel’s squad for the games against Croatia and Spain. He also missed out on the World Cup and withdrew from the September camp with a minor injury, prompting questions over his commitment to England.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Rogers rejected that criticism, saying Palmer “wants to be here” and had been managing his body after injury problems last year.

“It’s a nonsense, really, that people are questioning someone that wants to play for England. It’s a lie,” Rogers said.

Asked about those comments afterwards, Tuchel said he had not heard them but had no problem with Rogers speaking up for a friend.

“It’s totally fine as his team-mate and I guess his friend, so why wouldn’t he make an emotional statement if he did it?” Tuchel said.

“I didn’t hear it, so I will not comment on it. All I can say is I was very happy with the emotional commitment from Morgan and the physical commitment of Morgan Rogers.

“I think he was the standout player today offensively and defensively, and that’s what matters.”

England will complete their Nations League group campaign against Spain in Madrid on Sunday.