Cole Palmer and Declan Rice are among a group of five players who have pulled out of the England squad for the upcoming international fixtures. Alongside them, young full‑back Tino Livramento and Manchester United’s promising duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have all withdrawn, prompting manager Gareth Tuchel to summon Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner as replacements.
Palmer, who missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup‑year selection, was handed a chance to redeem himself when he featured for the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s loss to Brentford. His performance came as part of the Three Lions’ Nations League programme, which includes matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia. After naming his squad for the September and October windows, Tuchel 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 finished the season strongly, playing a pivotal role in keeping Forest up," Tuchel said.
"It’s one thing to be named in the squad, but it’s another to deliver the performances that justify a place. Cole needs to produce those numbers and displays to earn his shirt and validate his selection." Palmer, who endured a string of injuries last season, told Sky Sports that he feels fully fit as the new campaign kicks off. "Physically I feel good – probably the best I’ve felt in ages – but I think 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 been remarkably durable. "Before the groin injury I’d rarely been sidelined. I would often return too quickly, playing when I shouldn’t have." He described the dilemma he faced as the World Cup approached: "If I didn’t play, I risked missing the tournament; if I played, I risked aggravating the injury. It was a sticky situation and I received conflicting advice from various medical staff.
Since returning, I’m working every day to prevent a recurrence. My aim 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 battling an injury throughout the tournament, has now started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League games of the 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 initially listed as doubts for the squad. The pair were substituted in Manchester United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Rashford, who has been managing a lingering hip problem since the World Cup, was visibly limping when he was taken off.
Mainoo, meanwhile, completed 80 minutes before being replaced for tactical reasons, according to United’s former manager Michael Carrick. The 24‑year‑old midfielder was part of England’s World Cup roster but did not see any playing time.
Tuchel has insisted that will change in this international break. "I expect him on the pitch; it’s my responsibility to get him there. He didn’t make a mistake during the World Cup," Tuchel said. "He behaved impeccably in training, and the competition in midfield was fierce – we also had Reece James and Elliot Anderson.
Declan Rice is a unique talent, and we trusted them more than Kobbie in some situations." Tuchel admitted that Rice’s injury before the France match left him unable to give the player minutes, a decision that weighed heavily on the manager. "It hurt me more than him, perhaps, because I felt responsible for rewarding his effort," he added. Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol weighed in, noting that while Rice’s issue is not severe, it requires 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 injury concerns," Solhekol said. "Palmer has had a troublesome injury record, especially last season with a persistent groin problem that kept him out for extended periods. He wasn’t at his best then." Solhekol observed that Palmer appears to be in better shape this season, having started every game, including the defeat at Brentford.
He suggested that some critics might wonder if there is more to Palmer’s exclusion than meets the eye. "Tuchel left him out of the World Cup squad, giving Palmer a point to prove. The manager’s decision to drop him again raises eyebrows, but it should be viewed in context – the next major tournament is still two years away." Tuchel’s philosophy places great importance on long‑term training camps away from club duties.
He believes that the players he selected for the summer squad impressed him during the autumn camps, and that continuity in those environments is vital for building a cohesive unit. In summary, the England camp has seen notable withdrawals, with Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford stepping back for various reasons. Their spots have been filled by Gibbs‑White and Garner, who now have the opportunity to make an impression on Tuchel’s side.
The manager’s comments underscore the high expectations placed on returning players to demonstrate fitness, form, and the mental resilience needed to compete at the international level. As the Nations League fixtures loom, England will look to integrate the replacements smoothly while monitoring the recovery of the withdrawn stars, hoping that the squad depth will prove sufficient to meet the challenges ahead.