Cole Palmer and Declan Rice have joined three other players in pulling out of the England national team camp, prompting manager Gareth Tuchel to summon Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner as their replacements. The quartet exiting the squad includes Palmer, Rice, Tottenham’s promising full‑back Tino Livramento and Manchester United’s young duo Kobbie Mainoo and seasoned forward Marcus Rashford. Their withdrawals come ahead of the Three Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Palmer’s situation is particularly noteworthy. The Chelsea forward, who was omitted from Tuchel’s World Cup roster earlier this summer, featured the full ninety minutes in Chelsea’s recent 2‑1 loss to Brentford after being recalled for the upcoming internationals. Following the announcement of the September‑October squad, Tuchel explained the standards both Gibbs‑White and Palmer must meet to cement regular places in the side. "We can see the form Morgan is in and he ended the season very strongly, becoming the key figure that helped Forest avoid relegation.
He’s stepping up now," Tuchel said, highlighting Gibbs‑White’s resurgence. He added, "Being named in the squad is one thing, but to keep the shirt you have to deliver performances and numbers like that. Cole needs to produce those kinds of displays to justify his inclusion." 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 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. "Before my groin injury, I’d never really been injured.
I would often play when I perhaps shouldn’t have," he admitted. He described the dilemma he faced in the lead‑up to the World Cup: "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 got mixed advice from different medical staff.
Since returning, I’m working every day to prevent a recurrence. My goal is to stay injury‑free and be able to contribute fully when I’m on the pitch." Rice, who was a central figure for England during the World Cup despite playing through pain, has also opted out. The Arsenal midfielder has started all five of the Gunners’ Premier League matches this season, but recurring niggles have prompted caution. Reports from Sky Sports News suggested that both Mainoo and Rashford were already doubtful ahead of the squad call‑up.
Both were substituted in United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage – Rashford due to a lingering hip issue that has been monitored since the World Cup, and Mainoo after 80 minutes, reportedly for tactical reasons as explained by Michael Carrick. Mainoo, who was part of the World Cup squad but did not see any playing time, is expected by Tuchel to feature prominently this time around.
"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, praising Mainoo’s professionalism in training and emphasizing the competition for midfield spots, which also includes Reece James and the emerging Elliot Anderson. Tuchel admitted that the decision to leave Mainoo out of the World Cup was difficult and that he feels responsible for the missed opportunity, especially after Mainoo suffered an injury before the France match. Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News’ chief correspondent, weighed in on the situation, describing Rice’s injury as not serious but requiring careful management.
He noted that from Chelsea’s perspective it would be unwise for Palmer to be away on international duty for three weeks given his recent injury record. "Everyone knows Palmer has had a lot of injury problems, especially last season.
He missed long stretches with a chronic groin issue and wasn’t at his best," Solhekol said. "He’s been in great form this season, starting every game, even the loss at Brentford." Solhekol also pointed out that Palmer’s exclusion from the World Cup squad gave him a clear motive to prove himself, and that Tuchel’s selection policies heavily favour players who impress in long‑term training camps. "Tuchel values these camps and many of the players he chose for the summer were those who stood out in the autumn camps," he explained.
"It’s a blemish on Palmer’s record, but it should be kept in perspective – the next major tournament is still two years away." In summary, the England camp has lost five players – Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford – prompting the inclusion of Gibbs‑White and Garner. The manager has stressed that performance, fitness and dedication will dictate future selections, while the players involved are focusing on recovery and maintaining form at their clubs. The upcoming Nations League fixtures will provide a platform for the newcomers to stake their claim and for the returning veterans to demonstrate they are ready for the next international challenge.