Cole Palmer has withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad after suffering a minor muscle injury, bringing an early end to his return to international duty following his omission from the 2026 World Cup squad.
The Chelsea forward had been recalled for England’s upcoming Nations League campaign after starting the new season in impressive form.
However, his withdrawal means he will miss the Three Lions’ extended international break, which includes four fixtures against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia.
Palmer’s withdrawal comes shortly after Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League defeat against Brentford, where the 24-year-old played the entire match. His absence is being managed because of a small muscular issue, following an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign.
The latest setback comes only days after Tuchel recalled Palmer to the England squad.
The Chelsea forward had controversially been left out of the World Cup squad in the summer, but his strong start to the new campaign earned him another opportunity with the Three Lions.
Tuchel had previously challenged Palmer to prove himself, saying he had a “point to prove” and needed to “step up” to “keep his shirt and justify the nomination”.
Morgan Gibbs-White Replaces Palmer
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has now been called into the England squad to replace Palmer. The 26-year-old was initially left out of Tuchel’s squad but had been close to selection, according to the England manager.
Gibbs-White had been on a family holiday in Dubai after Forest’s defeat to Coventry City but returned to England following the late call-up. He has started the season with one goal and two assists from five league appearances.
Gibbs-White’s recall gives him another opportunity to establish himself at international level. His most recent England appearance came in October 2025, when he featured in the Three Lions’ 3-0 friendly victory over Wales.
His club form has also contributed to his return to Tuchel’s plans, after an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Nottingham Forest.
Palmer’s World Cup Omission and Last England Appearance
Palmer was one of the notable names omitted from England’s 2026 World Cup squad, despite having previously established himself as an important attacking option for the Three Lions. He returned to the squad this month alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold after both players missed the tournament.
Before his recall, Palmer’s last England appearance came in the 1-0 friendly defeat by Japan in March. He has 14 senior caps and two goals for England.
His withdrawal now leaves Tuchel without Palmer for the start of England’s new Nations League campaign, beginning against world champions Spain at Wembley on 26 September.
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