Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have joined a growing list of players who have pulled out of the England set‑up ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Alongside them, young full‑back Tino Livramento and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have also withdrawn, prompting manager Gareth Tuchel to call up Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner as replacements. Palmer, who missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad earlier this summer, featured for the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 2‑1 loss to Brentford after being recalled for the Three Lions’ matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia. Tuchel used the squad announcement for the September and October windows to underline 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 – he finished the season strongly and was instrumental in keeping Forest up. He’s stepping up now," Tuchel said. "Being named in the squad is one thing; delivering performances and numbers like that is what earns you a shirt and justifies the call‑up." After a season riddled with injuries, Palmer 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," he explained.
He reflected on his injury history, noting that before a recent groin problem he had rarely missed time. "I was in a dilemma before the World Cup – if I didn’t play I’d miss the tournament, but if I played I risked not performing at my best," he said. "It was a sticky situation, and I got mixed advice from different doctors. Since returning, I’m working daily to prevent a recurrence.
I just want to stay injury‑free and contribute whenever I’m on the pitch." Rice, who was a central figure for England during the World Cup despite playing through pain, has started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League games this season. However, his fitness remains a topic of discussion, especially after reports that Mainoo and Rashford were doubtful for the squad. Both United players were subbed off in the 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Rashford, still nursing a hip injury that has lingered since the World Cup, was visibly limping when he left the field. Mainoo completed 80 minutes before being taken off for tactical reasons, according to Michael Carrick. The 24‑year‑old Mainoo was part of the World Cup squad but did not see any minutes, a situation Tuchel vowed would not be repeated. "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," Tuchel admitted. He praised Mainoo’s professionalism, noting the intense competition in midfield that also featured Reece James and the emerging Elliot Anderson, while highlighting Rice’s unique qualities. Tuchel also took responsibility for Mainoo’s limited World Cup involvement, saying, "He got injured before the France game, so we couldn’t give him minutes, which hurt me.
Maybe he was more hurt than me, but it’s my responsibility to reward him now." Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol weighed in, describing Rice’s injury as not serious but something that needs careful management. He added, "From Chelsea’s perspective it makes little sense for Palmer to be away on international duty for three weeks when he’s still dealing with fitness concerns." Solhekol also reflected on Palmer’s injury record, noting a persistent groin problem that caused him to miss long spells last season.
"He wasn’t at his best then, but this season he’s started every game, even the loss at Brentford," the reporter wrote. He suggested that some critics might suspect there’s more to Palmer’s omission from the World Cup squad than meets the eye.
"Tuchel left him out, so Palmer had a point to prove. The manager’s decision to exclude him was a blow, especially given the importance Tuchel places on long‑term training camps." Tuchel’s selection philosophy often hinges on performances in these camps, which he believes reveal a player’s character and adaptability. He noted that many of the summer picks impressed him during the autumn camps, and that while Palmer’s omission may cast a temporary shadow, the next major tournament is still two years away, giving him ample time to rebuild his reputation. In summary, England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches has undergone significant changes.
The withdrawals of Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford open doors for Gibbs‑White and Garner, while the manager emphasizes the need for consistent performances and fitness to secure a place. The situation underscores the delicate balance between club commitments, injury management, and international ambition that modern players must navigate. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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