England Lose Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Man Utd Duo as Thomas Tuchel Calls Up Two Replacements

England have been hit by a major squad reshuffle after Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford all withdrew from Thomas Tuchel's squad.

Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento is the fifth player to pull out of England's upcoming Nations League campaign, with all five withdrawals linked to injury issues.

Tuchel has responded by calling up Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White.

The pair will report to St George's Park alongside the rest of the England squad as Tuchel prepares for a demanding run of Nations League fixtures.

Cole Palmer and Declan Rice among England withdrawals

Palmer's withdrawal is particularly notable because the Chelsea forward had only just returned to Tuchel's plans after missing England's 2026 World Cup squad.

The 24-year-old had been included in Tuchel's latest selection and was expected to have an opportunity to re-establish himself with the Three Lions.

However, England confirmed on Monday that Palmer is unavailable because of an injury issue.

Sky Sports reported that Palmer's problem is not considered serious but requires management, while the forward had started the season regularly for Chelsea.

Rice has also withdrawn despite being a key figure for both Arsenal and England.

The midfielder has started all five of Arsenal's Premier League matches this season, as well as their Champions League opener against Napoli, and the Guardian reported that his absence is connected to managing a previous hamstring and back issue.

Manchester United lose Mainoo and Rashford

Manchester United are also affected by the withdrawals.

Mainoo and Rashford both came off during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham and have now been ruled out of England's upcoming fixtures.

Rashford was withdrawn in the second half after appearing to experience discomfort around his hip and groin area, while Mainoo played until the 80th minute before being replaced.

Mainoo's absence is especially significant because Tuchel had publicly indicated that he wanted to give the midfielder playing time during this international period.

The United midfielder was part of England's World Cup squad but did not feature during the tournament.

Tuchel had previously taken responsibility for that situation and said he expected Mainoo to get onto the pitch during the next international window.

That opportunity will now have to wait.

Tuchel calls up two replacements

The withdrawals have opened the door for Garner and Gibbs-White.

Garner returns to the senior England setup after earning his first two caps in March 2026.

Gibbs-White has six England appearances and was already close to the original squad selection, with Tuchel highlighting his form for Nottingham Forest.

The pair provide Tuchel with additional options in midfield and attacking midfield following the departures of Rice, Mainoo and Palmer.

England confirmed that both players will report to St George's Park on Tuesday.

England face Spain in Nations League opener

The timing of the withdrawals means Tuchel must now prepare for a difficult opening to England's Nations League campaign without five players who had been selected for the international window.

England begin against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26.

They then travel to face Czechia on September 29 before taking on Croatia in Rijeka on October 3. A second meeting with Czechia follows at Wembley on October 6.

The extended international window means Tuchel has four Nations League matches to navigate, making squad depth particularly important.

For Palmer, Rice, Mainoo, Rashford and Livramento, the immediate priority will be their respective recoveries.

For Tuchel, attention now turns to how Garner and Gibbs-White fit into his plans and whether further changes will be required before England's opening fixture against Spain.