Cole Palmer is set to be replaced in the England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White reportedly set to be called up
Cole Palmer’s replacement in the England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures is reportedly set to be Morgan Gibbs-White.
The Three Lions will play their first matches since their disheartening World Cup exit. England had been leading their semi-final against Argentina heading into the final moments of the match, but a late blow saw the South Americans advance at their expense.
As per The Telegraph, Palmer will be replaced by Gibbs-White for the upcoming international games. The Forest Star was a notable absentee on Friday, and, justifying his decision, Tuchel said: “It makes no sense to nominate three, four, five number 10s.
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“It just does not help anyone. We can see the form that Morgan [Gibbs-White] is in. It’s one thing to be nominated, but it’s another thing to perform. This also counts, especially Cole needs to step up to justify the nomination.”
However, Gibbs-White will now have his chance with reports suggesting Palmer is ready to withdraw from international duty so he can manage his load.
According to The Athletic, Palmer is keen for a few weeks off after playing nearly every minute of Chelsea’s 2026/27 season so far. Palmer’s 2025/26 season was overshadowed by injuries – and he might be keen to avoid a similar scenario.
Speaking about Palmer at the start of the season, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso admitted said he believed the player’s injury troubles were in the past.
The Spaniard said: “I think that sometimes you need to go through a difficult moment with an injury or whatever to learn from that.
“I think that Cole has gone through a difficult period with the injury, and now he’s working really hard to have the prevention not to have to feel those symptoms.”
Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also both reportedly battling injuries and could withdraw from the squad.