Cole Palmer Withdraws from England Squad with Muscle Injury, Gibbs-White Set to Replace Him

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad due to a muscle injury, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White expected to replace him, according to Sky Sports.

Palmer was recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel after being left out of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup squad. However, the 24-year-old will now miss the team’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Gibbs-White, who was omitted from Tuchel’s initial squad, is expected to receive a call-up following Palmer’s withdrawal.

The 26-year-old midfielder had been close to selection when Tuchel announced his squad last week, with the England manager acknowledging his impressive form for Nottingham Forest.

“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.

The England manager had also challenged Palmer to reproduce his club performances after recalling him to the national team.

“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,” Tuchel said.

Palmer had made a promising start to the new season after an injury-disrupted 2025-26 campaign, recording four goals and two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea.

He played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday.

The forward had previously said he felt physically stronger after recovering from a recurring groin problem, although he acknowledged that he still needed more playing time to regain full fitness.

“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.

“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 high-profile 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 international camp.

Gibbs-White in contention

Gibbs-White has continued to impress for Nottingham Forest, scoring 15 Premier League goals and providing four assists last season.

Sky Sports described the midfielder as one of the league’s standout performers.

His most recent appearance for England came in a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales in October 2025.

England’s extended international schedule is set to begin with a Nations League meeting against Spain at Wembley on September 26. The Three Lions will then face the Czech Republic away on September 29 and Croatia on October 3, before hosting the Czech Republic on October 6.

Rashford, Mainoo also facing fitness concerns

Meanwhile, Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also doubts for the international break 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.

Should Mainoo withdraw from the squad, Everton midfielder James Garner is understood to be among the players being considered as a possible replacement.