Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have become two of five players to pull out of the latest England squad, joining the likes of Tino Livramento and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford. Their places have been taken by Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner, who have been called back into the fold as replacements. Palmer, who missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup roster in the summer, featured for the full ninety minutes in Chelsea’s loss to Brentford after being recalled for the Three Lions’ 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 ended the season very strongly, being the key figure who helped Forest avoid relegation. He’s stepping up now," Tuchel said. "It’s one thing to be named in the squad and another to perform.
Cole needs to produce the kind of numbers and displays that justify his shirt and the nomination." Palmer, who endured a difficult injury‑laden campaign last term, 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 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. "Before my groin injury I was hardly ever out.
I would often play when I maybe shouldn’t have," he said. He admitted the timing of the World Cup added a layer of uncertainty.
"With the World Cup looming I was in a dilemma – if I didn’t play I risked missing the tournament, but if I played I might not be at my best. It was a sticky situation and I got mixed advice from different doctors about the cause of my injury," Palmer recalled. Since returning, he has been diligent about daily work to prevent a recurrence. "I just want to stay injury‑free, and when I’m on the pitch I want to know what I can contribute," he added.
Rice, a central figure for England during the World Cup despite playing through pain, has also been forced to withdraw. He has started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League games this season, showing the same resilience that made him indispensable in the tournament. Sky Sports News reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were initially listed as doubts for the squad.
Both were substituted in United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage – Rashford with a lingering hip issue that has been monitored since the World Cup, and Mainoo after an 80‑minute spell, a change described by Michael Carrick as tactical. Rashford’s hip problem has been a concern for United, and he was visibly limping after being taken off on Sunday.
Mainoo, who was part of the World Cup squad but did not see any minutes, was promised by Tuchel that this would not happen again. "I expect him to be on the pitch and it’s my duty to get him there. That was entirely on me. He didn’t put a foot wrong during the World Cup," Tuchel asserted.
He praised Mainoo’s professionalism in training and acknowledged the competition in midfield, mentioning Reece James, Elliot Anderson and the unique qualities Rice brings. Tuchel admitted that Mainoo’s injury before the France game limited his options, adding personal responsibility for the situation. "Maybe he was more hurt than me but it was my responsibility to reward him for his effort," he said. Sky Sports’ chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol weighed in, describing Rice’s issue as not serious but requiring careful management.
He argued that it would be odd for Chelsea to let Palmer leave for three weeks of international duty given his injury record. "Everyone knows Palmer has had a lot of problems, especially last season.
He missed long spells with a chronic groin injury and wasn’t at his best," Solhekol noted. "This season he’s been solid, starting every game, even the loss at Brentford." Solhekol also suggested that some critics might suspect ulterior motives behind Palmer’s omission from the World Cup squad, but reminded readers that the next major tournament is still two years away.
He highlighted Tuchel’s preference for extended training camps away from clubs, noting that many of the players selected in the summer impressed him during the autumn camps. "It’s a black mark on Palmer’s name, but it should be kept in proportion," Solhekol concluded. In summary, England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches has undergone significant reshuffling. While Palmer and Rice’s withdrawals are setbacks, the inclusion of Gibbs‑White and Garner offers fresh opportunities.
Tuchel’s comments underline the importance he places on form, fitness, and performance, and his willingness to give chances to players who prove themselves at club level. As the team prepares for fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia, the coaching staff will need to balance injury management with the desire to field a competitive side capable of delivering results on the international stage.