Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have both pulled out of the England set‑up, joining a group of five players who have withdrawn from the national team camp. The list of absentees now includes Palmer, Rice, Tino Livramento and the Manchester United pair Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford. In their place, manager Gareth Gareth Tuchel has called up Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner as replacements. Palmer’s situation is especially noteworthy.
The Chelsea forward, who missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad earlier this summer, was recalled for the Three Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia. He went on to complete the full ninety minutes in Chelsea’s 2‑1 loss to Brentford, showing that he is back in the picture for the Three Lions. When Tuchel announced his selections for the September and October internationals, he also explained what he expects from both Gibbs‑White and Palmer if they are to become regular fixtures in the squad. "We can see the form Morgan is in and he finished the season strongly, playing a pivotal role in keeping Forest up.
He’s stepping up now," Tuchel said. "Being named in the squad is one thing, but to keep your place you need to deliver the numbers and performances that justify the call‑up. Cole needs to do the same to earn his shirt and prove his worth." 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 years – 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 the groin injury I was almost never sidelined. I would often return to play when I perhaps shouldn’t have," he admitted.
He described the dilemma he faced leading up to the World Cup: "If I didn’t play, I risked missing the tournament. If I played while not fully recovered, I risked under‑performing.
It was a sticky situation, and I got mixed messages from different medical staff about what was really wrong. Since coming back, I’m working every day to prevent a recurrence.
My aim is to stay injury‑free and, when I’m on the pitch, to give the team everything I can." Rice’s story is equally compelling. The Arsenal midfielder was a central figure for England during the World Cup, even though he had to compete through a nagging injury throughout the tournament.
This season he has started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches, signalling that he is on the road to full fitness. Prior to the squad announcement, Sky Sports reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were doubtful for the international break. Both youngsters were taken off during Manchester United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Rashford, who has been dealing with a lingering hip problem that dates back to the World Cup, was seen limping after his substitution. Mainoo, who logged around 80 minutes before being replaced for tactical reasons, also left the pitch without further incident.
The 24‑year‑old Mainoo was part of England’s World Cup roster but did not see any minutes on the field. Tuchel has publicly promised that this will change.
"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," Tuchel said. He added that Mainoo had shown exemplary behaviour in training and that the competition for midfield places – with players like Reece James and Elliot Anderson – had been fierce. "Declan Rice is a unique talent, and we trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie.
It was difficult for him, and the responsibility lies with me," Tuchel continued. Tuchel also addressed Rice’s injury, acknowledging that it was not severe but required careful management.
"It doesn’t make sense for Chelsea to have him away on international duty for three weeks if there’s a risk of aggravating it," said Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol. He noted that Palmer’s injury record, especially the long‑standing groin issue that sidelined him for large parts of last season, has been a point of scrutiny. "He’s been at his best this season, starting every game, including the loss at Brentford. Some critics wonder if there’s more to his omission from the World Cup squad, but Tuchel’s selection criteria are heavily influenced by performance in his training camps." Tuchel’s approach to these camps is well known: he values long‑term observation and often selects players who impress him during these periods.
While Palmer’s exclusion from the World Cup squad may be viewed as a blemish on his record, Solhekol cautioned that the next major tournament is still two years away, giving Palmer ample time to rebuild his reputation. In summary, England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures has undergone significant changes. The withdrawals of Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford have opened doors for Gibbs‑White and Garner, while Tuchel’s comments underline the high standards he expects from every player.
The focus now shifts to how these replacements perform and whether the returning stars can maintain their fitness and form for the crucial matches ahead. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million! Enter for free.