Morgan Gibbs-White in line for England recall as Cole Palmer withdraws

Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to return to the England squad after Palmer was set to pull out of Thomas Tuchel’s group with a minor injury ahead of the forthcoming Nations League programme. The Nottingham Forest midfielder had narrowly missed the initial selection, but his strong opening to the domestic campaign has put him in line for a late call.

Palmer completed 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 loss at Brentford on Friday, yet is now expected to leave the international set-up. The 24-year-old has been an important player for Chelsea after a summer break that followed his omission from the World Cup squad, starting six of the club’s seven matches this season while recording four goals and two assists.

The injury is another setback for the Chelsea attacker, who had been brought back into the senior England picture by Tuchel. Palmer has not played for England since the 1-0 friendly defeat to Japan in March, and his chance to establish himself again will be delayed.

Before the latest fitness issue, Tuchel said Palmer had a “point to prove” following his recall. The England manager added that the forward had to “step up” if he was to retain his place and merit the selection.

Palmer’s condition has attracted attention previously after recurring groin trouble affected him during the 2025-26 season. Enzo Maresca, his former Chelsea manager and now Manchester City boss, had questioned the logic of the situation at the time.

Gibbs-White ready for another opportunity

Gibbs-White, 26, was close to making Tuchel’s original squad, with the England head coach confirming on Friday that the Forest playmaker had been near the final cut. He has made a productive start in the league, contributing a goal and two assists in five appearances.

His most recent England outing came in October 2025, when he featured in a 3-0 friendly win over Wales. A place in the squad now offers him the opportunity to build on that appearance during a demanding four-game spell.

England begin by welcoming World Cup holders Spain to Wembley on Saturday, 26 September. They then travel to the Czech Republic on 29 September before facing Croatia away on 3 October. The extended break concludes with the return fixture against the Czechs at Wembley on 6 October.