Chelsea manager Alonso insists Cole Palmer is committed to playing for England

Alonso defends Palmer's England withdrawal, citing a groin problem that requires careful management before he can return to international duty.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has backed Cole Palmer's decision to withdraw from England's Nations League squad, revealing the attacker is managing a groin injury that troubled him last season. Palmer is fit for Chelsea's match against Bournemouth on Saturday. England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment with Palmer's unavailability, questioning his commitment to the national team, but Alonso insists Palmer is fully committed and simply needs to be fully fit before returning to international football.