England have suffered a major injury setback ahead of their opening UEFA Nations League fixture against Spain, with five players withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have all been ruled out after suffering respective injury problems, the Football Association confirmed.
The five players were initially included in Tuchel’s 27-man squad for the extended international window, but their withdrawals have forced the England coach to reshuffle his plans ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated clash with Spain at Wembley.
Rice is among the most experienced absentees. The Arsenal midfielder was part of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad and had been selected for the Nations League campaign. His absence leaves Tuchel without one of his leading midfield options for the opening fixtures.
Chelsea forward Palmer is another notable casualty. The 24-year-old had been returning to the England setup after missing out since the World Cup and was expected to play an important role under Tuchel. The England coach had previously challenged Palmer to step up and deliver the performances needed to establish himself in the team.
Rashford, who is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, has also withdrawn through injury. The forward featured in England’s World Cup squad and had been selected for the Nations League before the latest setback.
Manchester United midfielder Mainoo is also unavailable. Tuchel had spoken highly of the 21-year-old following the World Cup, insisting that he expected him to play a significant role for England. Mainoo’s involvement in the tournament was limited after he suffered an injury ahead of the match against France.
Newcastle United defender Livramento completes the list of five withdrawals. The full-back was included in the original squad but has since been ruled out with an injury. He also missed part of England’s World Cup campaign after suffering a calf problem in training, which led to Trevoh Chalobah replacing him.
In response to the withdrawals, Tuchel has called up Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Everton midfielder James Garner.
Garner has two senior England caps, while Gibbs-White has made six appearances for the Three Lions. Both players were expected to report to St George’s Park alongside the rest of the squad.
England will begin their 2026-27 Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26.
The Three Lions will then face Czechia twice and travel to Croatia as part of their extended international schedule.
Leave a comment