Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have both been listed among five players who have pulled out of the latest England training camp. In addition to Palmer and Rice, full‑back Tino Livramento and Manchester United’s promising youngster Kobbie Mainoo, along with veteran striker Marcus Rashford, have all withdrawn. Their spots have been filled by Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner, who have been recalled to the squad.
Palmer, who missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup roster earlier this summer, was given a chance to prove himself when he completed the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s loss to Brentford. That performance came after he was summoned for the Three Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia. When Tuchel announced his selections for the September and October matches, he also explained what he expects from both Gibbs‑White and Palmer if they are to become regular fixtures in the national side. "We can see the form Morgan is in and he finished the season strongly, playing a pivotal role in keeping Forest up.
He’s ready to step up now," Tuchel said. "Being named in the squad is one thing, but delivering the performances and numbers that Cole showed is what will earn him a permanent shirt and justify his inclusion." Palmer, who endured a string of injuries last season, told Sky Sports that he feels fully fit as the new campaign begins. "Physically I feel good – probably the best I’ve felt in years – and I think I can get even fitter with more games and minutes," he explained. He reflected on his injury history, noting that before a recent groin problem he had rarely been sidelined.
"I used to come back and play even when I maybe shouldn’t have," he admitted. He described the dilemma he faced ahead of the World Cup: "If I didn’t play, I feared I wouldn’t make the squad, but if I played while not fully recovered I risked worsening the injury. It was a sticky situation and I received mixed advice from various medical staff. Since returning, I’ve been working daily to prevent a recurrence.
My aim is to stay injury‑free and, when I’m on the pitch, to contribute fully." Rice, who was a central figure for England during the World Cup despite playing through pain, has now started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League games this season. However, his involvement with the national team has been hampered by a lingering issue that forced him to withdraw from the current camp.
Prior to the squad announcement, Sky Sports reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were doubtful for the England roster. Both players were substituted in Manchester United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Rashford, still managing a hip injury that has lingered since the World Cup, was visibly limping when he was taken off. Mainoo completed 80 minutes before being replaced for tactical reasons, according to Michael Carrick.
The 24‑year‑old midfielder had been part of England’s World Cup squad in the summer but did not see any game time. Tuchel assured that this would change during the upcoming international break. "I expect him to be on the pitch and it’s my duty to get him there.
That was entirely my responsibility. He didn’t make a mistake at the World Cup," Tuchel said. "His behaviour in training was exemplary.
We have strong competition in midfield – Reece James, Elliot Anderson – and Declan Rice is a unique talent. We trusted him more than Kobbie, which made the decision difficult for me." Tuchel also addressed Rice’s injury, acknowledging that it was not severe but required careful management. "It wouldn’t make sense for Chelsea to have him away on international duty for three weeks if the risk is high," he added.
Sky Sports’ chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol weighed in, noting that Palmer’s injury record has been a concern for many observers. "He suffered a chronic groin problem last season, missing long spells and never quite hitting his best form. This season, however, he has started every match, even the loss at Brentford," Solhekol wrote.
He suggested that some critics might suspect ulterior motives behind Palmer’s exclusion from the World Cup squad, but emphasized that the manager’s selection process heavily values performance in overseas training camps. "Tuchel places great importance on those camps," Solhekol continued.
"His summer picks were influenced by how players performed in the autumn camps. While Palmer’s omission could be seen as a blemish, it should be kept in perspective – the next major tournament is still two years away." In summary, England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures has undergone notable changes.
The withdrawals of Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford open doors for Gibbs‑White and Garner, both eager to make an impact. Tuchel’s comments underline the manager’s focus on form, fitness and the ability to deliver when called upon.
As the team prepares for matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia, the emphasis will be on integrating the recalled players, managing injury concerns, and ensuring that those who have earned their places can translate club performances into international success. The situation also highlights the broader challenges national coaches face when balancing club commitments, player health and the desire to field the strongest possible XI. With the World Cup still two years away, the current camp serves as both a testing ground for emerging talent and a reminder that consistency, resilience and clear communication between players, club medical staff and the national team are essential for long‑term success.