Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have both opted out of the latest England training camp, joining three other players who have withdrawn from the national squad. The list of absentees now includes Tino Livramento, as well as Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and veteran forward Marcus Rashford. To fill the gaps, manager Gareth Southgate has called up Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner as replacements. Palmer, who missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup roster earlier this summer, was recalled for the Three Nations League matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.
He went on to feature for the full ninety minutes in Chelsea’s 2‑1 loss to Brentford, demonstrating that he is back in contention for future England assignments. When Southgate announced his squad for the September and October fixtures, he also outlined what he expects from both Gibbs‑White and Palmer in order for them to become regular fixtures in the side. "We can see the form Morgan is in and he ended the season very strongly, playing a pivotal role in keeping Nottingham Forest up. He’s ready to step up now," Southgate said.
"Being named in the squad again 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 his nomination." Palmer, who endured a series of injury setbacks last season, told Sky Sports that he feels fully fit as the new campaign gets underway. "Physically I feel good – probably the best I’ve felt in ages – but I know I can get fitter with more games and minutes on the pitch," he explained. He reflected on his injury history, noting that before a recent groin problem he had rarely missed training or matches.
"I used to come back and play even when I maybe shouldn’t have," he admitted. The midfielder described the dilemma he faced in the run‑up to the World Cup.
"If I didn’t play, I risked missing the tournament. If I played while not fully recovered, I risked worsening the injury.
It was a sticky situation, and I got mixed advice from various medical staff," Palmer said. Since returning to action, he has been diligent about his rehabilitation, emphasizing that his primary goal is to stay injury‑free and contribute whenever he is selected.
Rice, who was a central figure for England during the World Cup despite playing through a niggling injury, has also withdrawn. He has been a mainstay for Arsenal this season, starting all five of their Premier League matches so far.
The decision to sit out the England camp appears to be a precautionary measure to manage his fitness. Ahead of the squad announcement, Sky Sports reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were doubtful for the international break.
The duo were both substituted in United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Rashford left the field with a hip issue that the club has been monitoring since the World Cup, and he was seen limping after his substitution.
Mainoo, who logged around 80 minutes against Fulham, was taken off for tactical reasons, according to former United midfielder Michael Carrick. Mainoo was part of England’s World Cup squad but did not see any playing time. Southgate pledged that the young midfielder would feature in the upcoming fixtures.
"I expect him on the pitch and it’s my duty to get him there. That was entirely on me – he didn’t make a mistake at the World Cup," the manager said.
Southgate praised Mainoo’s attitude in training, noting the high level of competition in midfield, with players like Reece James, Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice all vying for spots. He also addressed the disappointment of Mainoo’s injury before the France match, saying, "He got injured before the France game, so we couldn’t give him minutes there.
It hurt me as a manager because I felt responsible for rewarding his hard work." Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol weighed in, describing Rice’s situation as a non‑serious injury that still requires careful management. "It doesn’t make sense for Chelsea to have Palmer away on international duty for three weeks when his injury history is extensive," Solhekol noted. He recapped Palmer’s recent groin problems, which kept him sidelined for long periods last season, and highlighted that Palmer has now started every game for Chelsea this term, including the defeat at Brentford.
Solhekol suggested that Palmer’s exclusion from the World Cup squad gave him extra motivation to prove his worth. "He had a point to prove after being left out, and Southgate’s decision to drop him initially was a blow. However, Southgate values these long‑term training camps and often selects players based on their performance in those settings." While some critics may view Palmer’s omission as a blemish on his record, Solhekol cautioned against over‑reacting, pointing out that the next major tournament is still two years away and Palmer has the opportunity to rebuild his reputation. In summary, England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures has undergone significant changes due to withdrawals from key players like Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford.
The inclusion of Gibbs‑White and Garner reflects Southgate’s intent to refresh the roster while managing player fitness. The manager’s comments underscore a focus on form, consistency and the willingness to give emerging talent a chance on the international stage. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.