Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad with a muscle injury, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White expected to replace him, according to Sky Sports.
Palmer had been recalled by manager Thomas Tuchel after controversially missing England’s 2026 World Cup squad, but will now sit out the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Gibbs-White, who was omitted from Tuchel’s original squad, is expected to receive the call-up after impressing for Forest.
The 26-year-old was close to selection when Tuchel announced his squad last week, with the England manager acknowledging his strong 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.
Palmer had made a promising start to the new season after an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven appearances for Chelsea.
He played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday.
The 24-year-old had previously said he felt 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,” Palmer told Sky Sports.
Palmer was one of 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 Nations League camp.
Gibbs-White scored 15 Premier League goals and provided four assists last season. His most recent England appearance came in a 3-0 friendly win over Wales in October 2025.
England face Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to the Czech Republic on September 29 and Croatia on October 3. They will host the Czech Republic on October 6.
Manchester United forwards 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. Everton midfielder James Garner is reportedly among the options to replace Mainoo if he withdraws.
