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| Cole Palmer |
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad after suffering a muscle injury, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White expected to take his place.
Palmer had been recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel after missing out on the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup squad. However, the 24-year-old will now miss England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Gibbs-White was not included in Tuchel’s original squad but is now in line for a return to the national team after impressing for Nottingham Forest.
Tuchel had previously praised the midfielder’s form and highlighted his importance to Forest during the previous campaign.
“We can see the form Morgan is in, and he ended the season very strongly and was the key player for Forest to not be relegated,” Tuchel said.
“We can see him stepping up now.”
Tuchel had also challenged Palmer to reproduce his impressive club performances after bringing him back into the England setup.
“It’s one thing to be nominated and get back in the squad and to perform,” the England boss said. “Cole needs to show these kinds of numbers and performances to get his shirt and justify the nomination.”
Palmer had made a promising start to the new season after struggling with injuries during the 2025-26 campaign. He has scored four goals and registered two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea.
He played the entire match during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday before the latest injury setback.
Palmer had previously spoken about feeling physically stronger after recovering from a recurring groin problem.
“Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with games and more minutes,” he said.
The Chelsea star was among the notable omissions from England’s World Cup squad announced in May, alongside Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tuchel later brought Palmer and Alexander-Arnold back into the squad for the latest Nations League campaign.
Gibbs-White, meanwhile, has continued to establish himself as an important player for Nottingham Forest. The midfielder scored 15 Premier League goals and provided four assists last season.
His most recent England appearance came during a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales in October 2025.
England’s busy international schedule begins with a Nations League clash against Spain at Wembley on September 26. The Three Lions will then travel to face the Czech Republic on September 29 before taking on Croatia on October 3.
England will host the Czech Republic again on October 6.
Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also facing fitness concerns ahead of the international break after both players were substituted during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Rashford is being assessed for a hip problem, while Mainoo is also dealing with an injury concern. If Mainoo is unable to join the squad, Everton midfielder James Garner is reportedly among the players who could be considered as his replacement.
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