Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have joined a short list of players who have pulled out of the England set‑up ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures. In total, five members of the squad have withdrawn: Palmer, Rice, Tino Livramento and the Manchester United pair Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford.
To fill the gaps, manager Gareth Southgate has called up Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner as replacements. Palmer, who was omitted from the World Cup roster earlier this summer, featured for the full ninety minutes in Chelsea's 2‑1 loss to Brentford after being recalled for the Three Lions' matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Southgate, after publishing his squad for the September‑October window, explained what he expects from both Gibbs‑White and Palmer if they are to cement regular places in the national side. "We can see the form Morgan is in and he finished the season strongly, playing a pivotal role in Forest's battle to avoid relegation.
He is clearly ready to step up now," Southgate said. "Being named in the squad is one thing, but delivering performances and numbers like that is what earns a shirt and justifies the call‑up." Palmer, who endured a difficult injury‑laden campaign last term, told Sky Sports that he feels fully fit as the new season gets under way. "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 prior to a recent groin problem he had rarely missed training. "Before that groin issue I was almost never injured.
I would often return too quickly and play when I shouldn't have," he admitted. He went on to describe the dilemma he faced in the run‑up to the World Cup. "The tournament was looming, so I was torn: if I didn't play I might miss out, but if I played while not fully recovered I would be risking my performance and my health. It was a sticky situation, and I received mixed advice from various medical staff about the nature of the injury.
Since returning, I've been working daily to prevent a recurrence. My goal 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 started every one of Arsenal's first five Premier League games this season.
However, he too has opted out of the international camp, citing ongoing niggles that need careful management. Sky Sports News reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were listed as doubts before the squad announcement. The duo were both substituted in United's 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Rashford, who has been nursing a hip problem since the World Cup, was visibly limping when he was taken off. Mainoo played 80 minutes before being replaced for tactical reasons, according to manager Michael Carrick.
The 24‑year‑old midfielder was part of the World Cup squad in the summer but did not see any minutes on the pitch, a situation Southgate promised would not repeat this break. "I expect him to be on the pitch and it's my duty to get him there. That was completely on me.
He didn't make a mistake during the World Cup," Southgate said. "His behaviour in training was exemplary. The competition in midfield was fierce – we also used Reece James, and Elliot Anderson has been brilliant.
Declan Rice is a unique talent, and we trusted him more than others. It was my responsibility to reward him for his commitment, especially after he was injured before the France game, which was a personal disappointment for me as well." Chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports added his perspective: "It's not a serious injury but it does need to be managed. From Chelsea's viewpoint, it makes little sense for Palmer to be away on international duty for three weeks when he's still dealing with fitness concerns.
Palmer has had a string of injury problems, particularly a lingering groin issue that kept him sidelined for large parts of last season. He wasn't at his best then." Solhekol continued, "This season he has been in much better shape, starting every game, including the loss at Brentford. Some critics may wonder if there is more to his withdrawal than meets the eye.
Southgate controversially left him out of the World Cup squad, giving Palmer a point to prove. Yet Southgate's philosophy values long‑term camps away from clubs, and many of his summer selections were based on performances in those autumn gatherings. While this episode may cast a small shadow on Palmer's reputation, the next major tournament is still two years away, and there is ample time for him to rebuild his standing." Overall, the England camp faces a reshuffle with the loss of several key players and the inclusion of fresh faces.
The manager's emphasis on form, fitness, and commitment underscores his approach to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level while navigating the inevitable injury challenges that come with modern football. The upcoming Nations League matches will serve as a testing ground for the new selections and a chance for players like Gibbs‑White and Garner to make their mark on the international stage.