Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad after suffering a muscle injury, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White expected to replace him, according to Sky Sports.
Palmer had been recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel after missing the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup squad. However, the 24-year-old will now sit out England’s upcoming Nations League matches against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Gibbs-White was not included in Tuchel’s original squad but is now expected to receive a call-up. The 26-year-old midfielder was reportedly close to selection, with Tuchel acknowledging his impressive form.
“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. We can see him stepping up now,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel had also urged Palmer to replicate his club performances after returning him to the England setup.
“It’s one thing to be nominated and get back in the squad and to perform. Cole needs to show these kinds of numbers and performances to get his shirt and justify the nomination,” he said.
Palmer had enjoyed a strong start to the new season following an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign, scoring four goals and registering two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea. He completed the entire match in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday.
The forward had previously said he was feeling 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,” Palmer told Sky Sports.
He also reflected on his previous injury struggles, saying:
“Before my groin injury, I’d never really been injured. Well, rarely [injured]. So then I would just come back and play when I shouldn’t have played.”
Palmer was among the notable omissions from England’s World Cup squad announced in May, alongside Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tuchel later recalled Palmer and Alexander-Arnold for the latest Nations League camp.
Gibbs-White has continued to impress for Nottingham Forest, scoring 15 Premier League goals and providing four assists last season. His latest England appearance came in a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales in October 2025.
England’s extended 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 and Croatia on October 3 before hosting the Czech Republic on October 6.
Manchester United pair Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also injury doubts after being substituted during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Rashford is being assessed for a hip problem, while Mainoo is also facing an injury concern. If Mainoo is ruled out, Everton midfielder James Garner is reportedly among the possible replacements.