Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have both been listed among five England internationals who have pulled out of the latest national team camp. Alongside them, young full‑back Tino Livramento and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have also withdrawn, prompting manager Gareth Southgate to summon Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner as replacements. Palmer, who missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup roster earlier this summer, featured 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 Southgate announced the squad for the September and October matches, he also outlined what he expects from both Gibbs‑White and Palmer if they are to become regular fixtures in the side.
"We can see the form Morgan is in – he finished the season strongly and was instrumental in keeping Forest up," Southgate said. "He’s stepping up now.
It’s one thing to be named in the squad, but you have to back it up with performances. Cole needs to produce those numbers and displays to earn his shirt and justify his inclusion." Palmer, who endured a troublesome injury spell last season, told Sky Sports that he feels fully fit as the new campaign begins. "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 often playing when I probably shouldn’t have been," he admitted. "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 couldn’t perform at my best.
It was a sticky situation and I got mixed advice from different medical staff. Since returning, I’m working daily to prevent a recurrence. My goal is 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 battling injury throughout the tournament, has now started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches this season. However, his involvement in the national team camp has also been called into question.
Sky Sports News reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were doubtful for the squad, and indeed both were substituted in United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Rashford is dealing with a lingering hip issue that the club has been managing since the World Cup, and he was visibly limping when he was taken off.
Mainoo played 80 minutes before being replaced 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 on the field, a situation Southgate vowed would not be repeated in the upcoming international break.
"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," Southgate said.
"He behaved impeccably in training. There was stiff competition – we also had Reece James in central midfield and Elliot Anderson was outstanding.
Declan Rice is a unique talent, and we trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie. It was difficult for him, and I take responsibility. He got injured before the France game, which was a blow for both of us." Kaveh Solhekol, chief correspondent for Sky Sports News, weighed in on the situation: "It’s not a serious injury but it needs careful management.
From Chelsea’s perspective it makes little sense for Palmer to be away on international duty for three weeks when he’s still managing fitness. Everyone knows Palmer has had a string of injury problems, especially last season when a persistent groin issue kept him sidelined for long periods. He wasn’t at his best then." Solhekol continued, "He’s been in great form this season, starting every game and even playing the full match when Chelsea lost away at Brentford. Some critics might wonder if there’s more to his withdrawal than meets the eye.
Tuchel controversially left him out of the World Cup squad, so Palmer had a point to prove. The immediate setback of not making the squad was a blow, but Tuchel values these extended training camps highly. Many of the players he selected for the summer were those who impressed him in the autumn camps. It’s a blemish on Palmer’s record, but it should be kept in perspective – the next major tournament is still two years away." The withdrawals raise broader questions about squad depth and player management ahead of England’s crucial Nations League fixtures.
With Gibbs‑White and Garner back in the fold, Southgate now has additional options in midfield and attack. Gibbs‑White, who finished the season as Forest’s key player in their survival battle, brings energy and a goal‑scoring threat, while Garner offers versatility across the back line.
Both Palmer and Rice remain central to England’s plans once they are fully fit. Palmer’s pace and creativity on the wing provide a vital outlet for Southgate’s attacking philosophy, while Rice’s composure and ball‑winning ability in midfield anchor the team’s structure. Their absences from the camp will be felt in training, but the manager’s emphasis on competition and performance means that other squad members will have the chance to step up and make an impression. In summary, the latest England squad adjustments see Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford withdraw, with Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner called up as replacements.
The decisions reflect ongoing injury management, form considerations, and the manager’s desire to reward players who demonstrate consistency and resilience. As the Nations League matches approach, England will look to blend experience with emerging talent, hoping to secure positive results and maintain momentum heading toward future tournaments.