Morgan Gibbs-White to Join England Squad as Cole Palmer Withdraws

Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to return to the England squad, stepping in for Cole Palmer, who will miss out due to a minor injury.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was initially left out of the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures but is now set to be included following Palmer’s withdrawal. England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged on Friday that Gibbs-White was nearly selected earlier and now he will replace the Chelsea forward.

Palmer, 24, had recently been recalled by Tuchel after being controversially omitted from England's World Cup roster. Tuchel mentioned that Palmer needed to prove himself and justify his place in the team.

Despite this, Palmer will be absent for the extended international break where England face four matches: hosting World Cup champions Spain at Wembley on 26 September, then traveling to the Czech Republic on 29 September and Croatia on 3 October, before welcoming the Czech Republic again on 6 October.

Palmer’s decision to withdraw follows playing the entire match for Chelsea in their 3-0 loss against Brentford on Friday. After missing the World Cup, he has started six of Chelsea’s seven games this season, completing the full 90 minutes in five, while scoring four goals and assisting twice.

The forward has struggled with a recurring groin injury during the 2025-26 season. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, now managing Manchester City, described the injury situation as puzzling. Palmer’s last appearance for England came in a 1-0 friendly defeat against Japan in March.

Gibbs-White, meanwhile, last played for England in October 2025 during a 3-0 friendly win over Wales. This season, he has contributed one goal and two assists across Nottingham Forest’s first five league matches.