Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, and Marcus Rashford headline a five-player withdrawal from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The Football Association announced the roster changes on Monday, paving the way for late call-ups including Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner.
Five Withdrawals Hit Thomas Tuchel’s Squad Ahead of Nations League Fixtures
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces an early personnel crisis after five key players pulled out of the national team camp. Alongside Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer, Arsenal anchor Declan Rice, and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, Tino Livramento and Kobbie Mainoo also withdrew from the setup.
The departures force a swift reshuffle as the Three Lions prepare for an extended international window. England opens its Nations League campaign against newly crowned world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 26. Tuchel’s squad then travels to face the Czech Republic on September 29, visits Croatia in Rijeka on October 3, and hosts the Czechs back at Wembley on October 6 in Group A3.
Cole Palmer and Declan Rice sidelined by minor injuries and heavy workloads
Palmer’s exit cuts short a high-profile international recall. The 24-year-old Chelsea star was controversially omitted from England’s World Cup squad earlier this year, but responded to that disappointment by rediscovering top form with four goals and two assists in seven appearances this season.
Despite playing the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s defeat against Brentford on Friday, Palmer drops out with a minor injury that requires careful management. Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol noted that it’s not a serious injury but it’s something that needs to be managed
and that it doesn’t make sense from Chelsea’s perspective for him to go away on international duty for three weeks.
Palmer recently opened up about his physical condition following an injury-plagued campaign last term.
Rice joins Palmer on the unavailable list after anchoring Arsenal’s midfield through a grueling stretch, including the full duration of their 3-0 defeat by Brighton. Rice previously played through injuries during England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in Atlanta, where the squad fell 2-1 to Argentina.
Manchester United Duo Rashford and Mainoo Exit Following Fulham Draw
Manchester United’s contingent took a hit when Rashford and Mainoo were assessed following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham. Rashford battled a hip injury that United has managed since the summer tournament, and limped off the pitch at Craven Cottage. Mainoo played 80 minutes against Fulham before being substituted, with coach Michael Carrick pointing to tactical reasons for his withdrawal.
Mainoo missed out on pitch time during the World Cup, a regret that Tuchel openly acknowledged while discussing the midfielder’s role in the squad.
I expect him to be on the pitch and it’s my duty to get him on the pitch. That was totally on me.
Thomas Tuchel, England head coach
Tuchel added that Mainoo’s lack of minutes hurt him personally, noting that it’s my responsibility to reward him for that.
Newcastle defender Livramento rounds out the withdrawals, having been limited to three substitute appearances for his club this term.
Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner Earn Call-Ups
With five roster spots open, Tuchel turned to Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White and Everton midfielder James Garner as replacements. Both players join the squad on Tuesday.
Gibbs-White arrives on the back of standout domestic form. The 26-year-old midfielder has recorded one goal and two assists across five league matches this season, following a stellar campaign where he scored 15 Premier League goals for Forest. His omission from earlier squads drew public scrutiny, including social media commentary from his fiancée, Britney De Villiers, who highlighted his status as the only player to create five or more chances in a single Premier League match this season during a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Garner returns to the international fold alongside Gibbs-White, having earned his two previous senior caps in March 2026 after missing out on World Cup selection alongside the Forest playmaker.
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