Tuchel Hit by Five England Squad Withdrawals Ahead of Nations League

Thomas Tuchel has been dealt several setbacks after Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento withdrew from the England squad because of injuries. James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White have been added to strengthen the group ahead of the forthcoming Nations League fixtures.

Palmer was recalled last Friday as Tuchel began a new two-year international campaign that he hopes will culminate in success at Euro 2028. England return to Nations League Group A with an opening match against Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Away fixtures against Czechia and Croatia will follow before the team hosts Czechia at Wembley.

A minor muscular problem has once again prevented Palmer from joining Tuchel’s squad. Despite beginning the season impressively for Chelsea, the midfielder has appeared only three times under the England manager. He missed out on the World Cup squad following a decline in form last season, but Tuchel recently described this selection as a chance for a fresh start. The 24-year-old, who has registered four goals and two assists in all competitions for Chelsea this season, must now wait for another opportunity.

Rice’s absence is relatively unsurprising because of the demanding schedule he has faced over recent seasons. During the latter half of last season, he had to manage a hamstring nerve problem that also affected his lower back and caused discomfort at the World Cup. The midfielder has started every Arsenal Premier League match this campaign, as well as the club’s opening Champions League fixture against Napoli. Giving him time to recover has therefore been judged the most sensible decision.

Mainoo left the field after 80 minutes of Manchester United’s match at Fulham on Sunday, with manager Michael Carrick’s decision drawing boos from the travelling fans. Although the midfielder was part of the World Cup squad, he was the only outfield member who did not play. Tuchel insisted that this was not a reflection of Mainoo’s quality, attitude or effort, explaining that his choices were made solely for tactical reasons. He had intended to provide the player with minutes during the coming international period.

Rashford, Mainoo’s Manchester United teammate, was replaced in the 77th minute against Fulham. As he slowly left the pitch, he appeared to be holding the front of his hip and groin. Tuchel has consistently supported Rashford and selected him in his first squad in March last year despite the forward’s poor form at the time. The manager wanted to demonstrate his confidence in the player and has continued to call up the 28-year-old whenever he has been fit.

Tuchel’s confidence in Rashford appeared to diminish following the forward’s disappointing performance against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the World Cup round of 32. He then received very little playing time before England’s semi-final defeat by Argentina, making only a brief stoppage-time appearance in that match. Rashford later played the opening 45 minutes of the third-place playoff against France.

Livramento was originally selected for the World Cup but sustained a calf injury in training shortly before the competition began and had to return home. After undergoing surgery, the Newcastle full-back made his club comeback as a substitute against Bournemouth earlier this month. However, another training setback before Newcastle’s victory over Hull on Saturday kept him out of the matchday squad. The 23-year-old has not yet started a game this season.

Garner provides another central midfield option following the withdrawals of Rice and Mainoo, while Gibbs-White strengthens the choices available in the No 10 role without Palmer. Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze can also operate in that position. The squad is scheduled to assemble at St George’s Park on Tuesday.