Cole Palmer and Declan Rice Pull Out of England Squad

Thomas Tuchel’s plans for England’s new Nations League campaign have suffered a setback, with Cole Palmer and Declan Rice withdrawing from the England squad because of injury issues.

The pair are among five players ruled out ahead of England’s upcoming international fixtures, with Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento also unavailable. Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White have subsequently been called up.

Palmer’s England Return Cut Short

Palmer’s withdrawal comes at an unfortunate time for the Chelsea forward. The 24-year-old had been recalled by Tuchel after missing England’s World Cup squad and was expected to use the international window to re-establish himself with the national team.

Tuchel had previously highlighted Palmer’s form at Chelsea, saying the forward had been starting regularly and producing the numbers expected of him. Palmer had made a strong start to the new campaign, registering four goals and two assists in seven appearances before the withdrawal.

The Cole Palmer injury is described as a minor issue, with Chelsea and England taking a cautious approach to his fitness. Palmer had also dealt with a recurring groin problem during the previous season, making careful management particularly important.

Rice Also Misses International Duty

Declan Rice is another significant absence for England. The Arsenal midfielder has been a regular presence for both club and country and started Arsenal’s 3-0 Premier League defeat by Brighton before withdrawing from the England squad.

Rice also played a major role for England during the 2026 World Cup, where he featured despite fitness concerns. He has since started each of Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches of the season, adding to the workload that England and Arsenal are now managing.

His absence leaves Tuchel without one of England’s most established midfield options as the team prepares for a demanding international window.

Five Players Now Unavailable

The England squad withdrawals extend beyond Palmer and Rice. Manchester United pair Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo and Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento have also been ruled out because of their respective injury issues.

The withdrawals have forced Tuchel to make changes to his original squad. Garner and Gibbs-White have been brought in and will report to St George’s Park with the rest of the England group. Garner has already earned two senior caps, while Gibbs-White has six appearances for the Three Lions.

Tuchel Faces Early Test With Nations League

The timing is significant because England are beginning their Nations League 2026 campaign with a challenging run of fixtures.

The Three Lions host world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to Prague to face Czechia three days later. England then meet Croatia in Rijeka on October 3 before hosting Czechia at Wembley on October 6.

The extended international window gives Tuchel time to assess his options, but the number of withdrawals means several players will have an opportunity to step forward.

England’s New Era Faces Another Change

Palmer’s return had been one of the notable talking points when Tuchel announced his first England squad of the new season. Rice, meanwhile, remained an important part of the midfield picture.

Their withdrawals mean both players will now have to wait before beginning the next chapter of their England careers under Tuchel.

For Palmer in particular, the focus will be on recovering fully and returning to Chelsea action. For England, attention turns immediately to the players who remain available — and the newcomers now handed an unexpected opportunity during the England Nations League squad campaign.