Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have joined a growing list of players who have pulled out of Gareth Southgate's England camp, bringing the total to five withdrawals ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Alongside Palmer and Rice, full‑backs Tino Livramento and Manchester United's young duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have also stepped away from the squad. Their places have been filled by the recall of Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner, who have been summoned as replacements. Palmer’s situation is particularly noteworthy.
After being omitted from the World Cup squad selected by then‑coach Tuchel during the summer, the Chelsea forward was recalled for the three‑match international window that sees England face Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia. He featured for the full ninety minutes in Chelsea’s 2‑1 loss to Brentford, a performance that demonstrated his readiness to contribute at the highest level despite a season riddled with injury setbacks. When Southgate announced his roster for the September and October dates, he also used the opportunity to outline the standards required for players like Gibbs‑White and Palmer to cement regular places in the national team.
"We can see the form Morgan is in and he ended the season very strongly, playing a pivotal role in keeping Forest up," Southgate said. "It’s one thing to be named in the squad; it’s another to deliver the performances and statistics that justify a permanent shirt. Cole needs to keep showing those numbers and impact to earn his spot." Palmer, who spent much of the previous campaign battling a persistent groin problem, 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 ages – but I know I can get fitter with more games and minutes," he explained. He reflected on his injury history, noting that before the groin issue he had rarely missed time. "I was often back on the pitch when I perhaps shouldn’t have been, which contributed to the problem," he admitted. The forward also described the dilemma he faced in the run‑up to the World Cup.
"If I didn’t play, I risked missing the tournament; if I played while not fully recovered, I risked aggravating the injury. It was a sticky situation, and I got mixed advice from various medical staff," Palmer recalled. Since returning to action, he has committed to a daily regimen aimed at preventing recurrence. "My goal is to stay injury‑free, and when I’m on the field I want to be at my best," he said.
Declan Rice, who was a central figure for England during the World Cup despite carrying an injury throughout the competition, has also opted out. Since the tournament, Rice has started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches this season, showing the stamina and consistency that made him a cornerstone of the national side.
However, concerns over his fitness prompted his withdrawal from the upcoming international camp. The Manchester United contingent faced its own set of uncertainties. Prior to the squad announcement, Sky Sports News reported that both Mainoo and Rashford were doubtful.
Both players were substituted in United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Rashford left the pitch with a hip injury that the club has been managing since the World Cup, visibly limping after his substitution. Mainoo, who logged 80 minutes before being taken off for tactical reasons, also remains on the sidelines for the England trip.
Mainoo, a 24‑year‑old who traveled with the World Cup squad but did not see any minutes, was promised a role by Southgate during this break. "I expect him to be on the pitch, and it’s my duty to get him there. That was entirely on me," the manager said.
"He behaved impeccably in training, and the competition for midfield spots was fierce – we also had Reece James and Elliot Anderson fighting for places. Declan Rice is a unique talent, and we trusted him more than we trusted Kobbie. It was difficult for him, and I take responsibility for the lack of playing time." Southgate also addressed Rice’s injury timeline, noting that the midfielder was knocked out before England’s match with France, preventing any minutes in that game. "It hurt me as a manager because I couldn’t reward his commitment," Southgate added.
"He was injured before the France game, and that was a personal disappointment." Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol weighed in, describing Palmer’s withdrawal as a precaution rather than a serious injury. "It’s something that needs to be managed.
From Chelsea’s perspective, it makes sense not to send him away for three weeks of international duty when his fitness is still a question mark," Solhekol wrote. He highlighted Palmer’s injury‑prone reputation, especially the long‑standing groin issue that sidelined him for large stretches last season. Yet Solhekol praised Palmer’s current form, noting that he has started every game this campaign, including the loss at Brentford. The analyst also touched on the broader context of Southgate’s selection philosophy.
"Southgate values long‑term camps away from club duties. Many of the players he chose for the World Cup impressed him during the autumn camps," Solhekol explained. "Palmer’s omission from the World Cup squad was a black mark, but it should be seen in perspective – the next major tournament is still two years away, and there’s ample time for redemption." In summary, the England squad faces a reshuffle due to the withdrawals of Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford. Their spots are filled by Gibbs‑White and Garner, both eager to seize the opportunity.
The decisions reflect a careful balancing act between player welfare, recent form, and the manager’s long‑term vision for the national team. As the Nations League matches approach, England will look to integrate the replacements smoothly while managing the fitness concerns that prompted the withdrawals.
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