Morgan Rogers says any suggestion Cole Palmer is not committed to England “is a lie” and “nonsense”.
Rogers scored the opener in Wednesday’s 2-1 Uefa Nations League win over Croatia, with Harry Kane adding a penalty on his record-breaking 126th appearance for the men’s side.
But his Chelsea team-mate, and childhood friend, Palmer had been left out of the squad after boss Thomas Tuchel said he “misses too many chances to impress”.
The 24-year-old Palmer, who was also not called up for the World Cup, withdrew from the previous England camp in September citing a minor injury.
Forward Rogers, also 24, was asked about the criticism of Palmer following the win at Wembley, and told BBC Radio 5 Live: “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 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.
“But he also has to look at his body. He wants to play for 10 or 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. It’s a lie.
“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.”