Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have joined a growing list of players who have pulled out of the England camp, with five names now confirmed to be unavailable for the upcoming internationals. Alongside Palmer and Rice, full‑back Tino Livramento and Manchester United’s promising youngster Kobbie Mainoo, as well as veteran forward Marcus Rashford, have all withdrawn.
In their place, manager Gareth Southgate has called up Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner to fill the gaps. Palmer, who missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad earlier this summer, was recalled for the Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia. He went on to complete the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 2‑1 loss to Brentford, showing that he can still contribute at the highest level when given the chance.
After naming his squad for the September and October matches, Tuward explained what he expects from both Gibbs‑White and Palmer if they are to become regular fixtures in the England 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 clearly ready to step up now," Tuward said. "Being named in the squad is one thing, but you have to back it up with performances. Cole needs to produce the kind of numbers and displays that justify his shirt and earn his place permanently." Palmer, who endured a difficult injury‑laden campaign last season, told Sky Sports that he feels fully fit as the new season gets underway. "Physically I feel good – probably the best I’ve felt in ages – but I know 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 missed time. "I used to come back and play when I probably shouldn’t have," he admitted, highlighting the delicate balance between staying match‑sharp and protecting his body.
He described the dilemma he faced ahead of the World Cup: "If I didn’t play, I risked missing the tournament; if I played while not fully recovered, I risked making it worse. It was a sticky situation and I got mixed advice from different doctors and physiotherapists.
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 give everything I can." Rice, who was a central figure for England during the World Cup despite playing through pain, has also opted out of the current camp. He has started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches this season, demonstrating his importance to the club.
However, lingering concerns about his fitness prompted his withdrawal. Sky Sports News reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were listed as doubts before the squad announcement. Both players were substituted in Manchester United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Rashford, still dealing with a hip problem that has been monitored since the World Cup, was seen limping after his substitution. Mainoo, who logged 80 minutes against Fulham, was taken off for tactical reasons, according to former United midfielder Michael Carrick.
The 24‑year‑old Mainoo was part of England’s World Cup squad but did not see any minutes on the tournament stage. Tuward pledged that this would not happen again: "I expect him to be on the pitch and it’s my duty to get him on the pitch.
That was totally on me. He didn’t put a foot wrong during the World Cup." "He behaved impeccably in training, and there was fierce competition in midfield – we also have Reece James and the brilliant Elliot Anderson.
Declan Rice is a unique talent, and we trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie. It was difficult for him, and I take responsibility for that. He got injured before the France game, so we couldn’t give him minutes there, which hurt me. Maybe he was more hurt than me, but it’s my responsibility to reward him for his commitment," Tuward added.
Sky Sports’ chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol weighed in on the situation: "It’s not a serious injury but it needs to be managed. From Chelsea’s perspective it makes little sense for Palmer to be away on international duty for three weeks when his fitness is still in question. Everyone knows Palmer has had a string of injury problems, especially last season when a persistent groin issue kept him sidelined for long spells. He wasn’t at his best then." Solhekol continued, "He’s been in great form this season, starting every game, even the loss at Brentford.
Some critics might wonder if there’s more to his omission than meets the eye. Tuward controversially left him out of the World Cup squad, so Palmer had a point to prove. The manager’s decision to drop him was a blow, but it also reflects Tuward’s belief in long‑term camps away from clubs.
Many of the players he selected for the summer were those who impressed him during the autumn training camps." He concluded, "It’s a blemish on Palmer’s record, but it should be kept in perspective – the next major tournament is still two years away, and there’s plenty of time for him to re‑establish himself." Overall, England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches will look different, with fresh faces like Gibbs‑White and Garner stepping in. The withdrawals of Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford highlight the ongoing challenges of managing player fitness across club and country commitments. Fans will be watching closely to see how the replacements perform and whether they can cement their places in Gareth Southgate’s plans for the future. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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