Gibbs-White to replace Palmer in England squad call-up

Morgan Gibbs-White is in line for an England recall to replace Cole Palmer, who is set to withdraw from the squad due to a minor injury, according to BBC Sport.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder missed out on selection in the initial squad for the Nations League matches, but the door has now opened. England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted on Friday that Gibbs-White was close to making the cut and, with Palmer expected to step back, Gibbs-White is now the most likely replacement.

Palmer misses the international run

Palmer, 24, had been brought back after being controversially left out of England’s World Cup squad. Tuchel previously said Palmer had “a point to prove” and needed to “step up” to “keep his shirt and justify the nomination”.

Now, the Chelsea forward will miss the extended international break in which England play four games. The Three Lions begin at Wembley against World Cup winners Spain before taking on the Czech Republic and Croatia, with another match versus the Czechs on 6 October.

Rashford and Mainoo injury doubts

BBC Sport also flags possible injury concerns for Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo. Both were taken off in the closing stages of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham, with their clubs assessing their fitness.

If Mainoo withdraws, the outlet understands Everton midfielder James Garner is a strong option, despite not being selected for the World Cup. Garner made his senior England debut in March.

For Palmer, BBC Sport notes that his withdrawal follows him playing the full game for Chelsea in their 3-0 loss at Brentford. After missing out on World Cup selection, he started six of Chelsea’s seven matches and played the full 90 minutes in five of them, contributing four goals and two assists, while also dealing with a recurring groin issue managed throughout 2025-26.