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England have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, with five players withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s squad due to their respective injury problems.
Chelsea striker Cole Palmer, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, Manchester United pair Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford and Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento have all been ruled out of the Three Lions’ upcoming matches. Project reports
The English Football Association confirmed the withdrawals on Monday, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Everton midfielder James Garner subsequently called up as replacements. Both players are expected to join the rest of the squad at St George’s Park on Tuesday.
Palmer misses after England recall
Palmer’s retirement is particularly notable because the Chelsea striker had only recently returned to Tuchel’s plans after being left out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The 24-year-old has made a good start to the new season and has been recalled for the Nations League programme, but will now miss the next few matches after withdrawing with a minor muscle problem.
Palmer played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brentford on Friday before the latest decision on his fitness was made. Sky Sports reported that his situation is believed to involve injury management rather than a serious setback.
His absence means Tuchel will have to wait longer to see the striker return to international action following his return to the squad.
Rice is also excluded
Rice is another notable absentee from the England squad.
The Arsenal midfielder has been a central figure for the Three Lions and has started each of Arsenal’s first five games of the Premier League season.
Reports indicate his withdrawal is linked to concerns over workload and fitness management, with the midfielder having shouldered a heavy playing load in recent months.
His absence leaves Tuchel without one of his main midfield options as England prepare for a challenging sequence of Nations League matches.
Rashford, Mainoo and Livramento join the withdrawals
Manchester United striker Rashford and midfielder Mainoo have also withdrawn from the squad.
Rashford has been dealing with a hip problem and was substituted during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday.
Mainoo also took part in the match before being replaced, although his withdrawal was attributed by the English FA to an injury problem.
Livramento completes the list of five players excluded. The Newcastle defender has suffered knee discomfort and is not available for the national team’s matches.
Garner, Gibbs-White receive call-ups
The retirements opened the door for Garner and Gibbs-White to join the England senior squad.
Garner, who plays for Everton, has already earned two senior caps, both due in March 2026.
Gibbs-White, meanwhile, has six appearances for the Three Lions and returns to the squad as Tuchel looks to strengthen his midfield options following the departures of Rice and Mainoo.
The pair are expected to appear at St George’s Park on Tuesday along with the rest of the squad.
England face a busy schedule for the Nations League
The withdrawals come at the start of a particularly intense international period for England.
The Three Lions open their Nations League season against Spain at Wembley on Saturday 26 September.
They will then travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic on 29 September before facing Croatia in Rijeka on 3 October. England return to Wembley on October 6 for another meeting with the Czech Republic.
The extended international window therefore gives Tuchel four competitive matches and the opportunity to evaluate a number of players as England begin their final season in the Nations League.
With five established members of his original squad now unavailable, the England manager will have to alter his plans and rely on the depth of his squad.
Tuchel forced to reshuffle
The withdrawals mean Tuchel’s plans for the opening Nations League matches will undergo significant changes.
Palmer had been recalled after missing the World Cup, while Rice and Mainoo were among the midfield options expected to contribute during the season. Rashford provided another attacking option, while Livramento offered defensive depth.
The England manager will now have to work with the available players and the two latest arrivals as the Three Lions prepare for their first meeting with Spain.
The English FA confirmed that the five players will miss the next Nations League matches due to their respective injury problems, with no indication from the governing body that the withdrawals are linked to disciplinary or selection issues.
For Tuchel, the focus will now be on quickly integrating Garner and Gibbs-White and ensuring England are ready for their opening Nations League match against Spain at Wembley.
