England: Palmer, Rice, Mainoo, Rashford and Livramento
According to Skysports.
Why this matters
The departure of Cole Palmer and other key players from the England squad represents a significant challenge for Thomas Tuchel, especially with Nations League games just around the corner. Palmer, who had been called up after his absence at the 2026 World Cup, was trying to solidify his place in the team, but his withdrawal could affect the group's dynamics. The addition of Gibbs-White and Garner as replacements could bring new energy, but Palmer's lack of experience may be felt.
Main conclusions
- England: Palmer, Rice, Mainoo, Rashford and Livramento.
- England with five withdrawals in the squad.
- England latest: Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento withdraw from Thomas Tuchel.
The England team suffered five defeats in a row at the start of the international window. Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Tino Livramento and Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford withdrew from the training camp, prompting coach Thomas Tuchel to react immediately with the call-up of Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner.
Palmer, who had been left out by Tuchel in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, once again gained confidence for this Nations League stop, but ended up leaving the team after playing the full 90 minutes in Chelsea's defeat against Brentford. The striker returned to work with the Three Lions for matches against Spain, Czechia and Croatia, part of the September and October rounds of the UEFA competition.
In his public explanation of his choices, Tuchel had already praised Gibbs-White's form and highlighted what he expected from Palmer to focus on his options. According to the coach, Nottingham Forest's attacking midfielder was decisive for the team's permanence last season and has shown progress, while Cole Palmer would be responsible for translating the current form into numbers and consistent performances to justify the national team's shirt.
Palmer himself had recently assured that he felt at his physical peak again, after a season marked by muscle problems, admitting that more playing time would be crucial to completely recovering his competitive rhythm.
Declan Rice, England's key player in the last World Cup — where he played with physical limitations — opened the season at full speed with Arsenal, making five starts in the Premier League before this break. Even so, the midfielder also left the training camp, forcing Tuchel to quickly readjust his options.
At Old Trafford, the doubts surrounding Mainoo and Rashford were confirmed after Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage against Fulham. Rashford, who has been managing a hip problem since the World Cup, was seen limping as he left Sunday's match. Mainoo was substituted in the 80th minute, with Michael Carrick justifying the change for tactical reasons.
Tuchel, for his part, had already guaranteed that Mainoo would not be left out of his choices again after the World Cup, stressing that the young midfielder behaved impeccably in the tournament and in training, but that competition in the sector — with experiences like that of Reece James on the inside and the presence of Elliot Anderson and Rice himself — had left the young man at a disadvantage in the past.
With the emergency calls of Gibbs-White and James Garner, England replenishes the pool of midfielders and creative players to face Spain, Czechia and Croatia in the Nations League. Without Palmer, Rice, Livramento, Mainoo and Rashford, Tuchel will have to fine-tune the plan to keep the team competitive in a demanding block of games, just a few months before the restart of the post-World Cup 2026 cycle and in a context in which physical management continues to be key for the main English internationals.
What happens next
With the changed squad, Tuchel will have to adjust his strategy for the Nations League games against Spain, Czechia and Croatia. The expectation is that Gibbs-White and Garner will take this opportunity to stand out and help England achieve positive results. Palmer, in turn, should focus on regaining form at Chelsea, where his contribution will be crucial in the Premier League.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the England team?
The England team suffered five casualties, with Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford withdrawing from the training camp.
Who confirmed the Gibbs-White and Garner calls?
Selector Thomas Tuchel confirmed the calls for Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner to replace the players who withdrew.
Why have there been these withdrawals from the selection now?
The withdrawals occurred at the beginning of the international window, before the commitments
Nations League ties with Spain, Czechia and Croatia.
What changes were made to the selection squad?
Thomas Tuchel called on Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner to replace the players who withdrew.
What was Cole Palmer's situation before he quit?
Cole Palmer had been called up after being left out for the 2026 World Cup, but withdrew after playing 90 minutes in Chelsea's defeat.