Gibbs-White set to replace injured Palmer in England squad

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is set to receive an England recall after Chelsea forward Cole Palmer withdrew from the squad because of a minor injury. 

Manager Thomas Tuchel had recalled Palmer for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures after being left out of the country’s World Cup squad. Still, he is now expected to miss the extended international break.

Gibbs-White was initially left out of Tuchel’s squad despite the England manager admitting that the 26-year-old had been close to selection. 

The midfielder has made a strong start to the Premier League season, registering one goal and two assists in five appearances for Forest. 

His most recent England appearance came in a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales in October 2025.

Palmer’s withdrawal comes after he played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat by Brentford on Friday. 

The 24-year-old has started six of Chelsea’s seven matches this season and has completed five full games, scoring four goals and providing two assists. 

He previously struggled with a recurring groin problem during the 2025-26 campaign, which Chelsea had to carefully manage.

Tuchel had challenged Palmer to make an impact after recalling him to the England squad, saying the Chelsea forward had a point to prove and needed to perform to retain his place. 

Palmer last represented England in March, when the Three Lions suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat by Japan. His latest absence means he will miss a demanding run of four Nations League fixtures.

England are scheduled to face World Cup holders Spain at Wembley on September 26 before traveling to the Czech Republic on September 29 and Croatia on October 3. They will then host the Czech Republic again on October 6. 

Manchester United pair Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also doubts after being substituted during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Should Mainoo be ruled out, Everton midfielder James Garner is understood to be among the leading options to replace him. Garner made his England senior debut in March but was not included in the World Cup squad. 

Meanwhile, Gibbs-White’s expected return provides Tuchel with another midfield option as England prepare for a busy period of Nations League action.