Five Players Withdraw From England Squad As Tuchel Forced To Rethink

England boss Thomas Tuchel has been forced to alter his squad ahead of his side's upcoming Nations League fixtures, after five players withdrew.

Five Players Pull Out as Tuchel Adjusts England Squad

Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have all pulled out in recent days.

Tuchel has responded by calling up Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs‑White and Everton’s James Garner, both of whom will join the group on Tuesday.

The England boss revealed that Gibbs‑White, who has six caps, was already close to inclusion in the original squad.

The Forest midfielder has started the season strongly, contributing one goal and two assists in five league matches. Garner also returns after earning two senior caps in March, having missed out on England’s World Cup squad.

Palmer’s withdrawal is notable given Tuchel had recalled him after controversially omitting the Chelsea forward from the World Cup.

The England manager previously said Palmer had a “point to prove” and needed “to step up” to “keep his shirt and justify the nomination”.

Palmer played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3‑0 defeat at Brentford but has now pulled out with a minor injury.

He has been a key figure for Chelsea this season, starting six of seven matches and producing four goals and two assists.

Injuries Hit Rashford, Mainoo and Rice

Manchester United pair Rashford and Mainoo were assessed by their club after both were substituted late in Sunday’s 1‑1 draw at Fulham.

Neither will be available for England’s upcoming fixtures. Rice, who played the full match in Arsenal’s 3‑0 loss to Brighton, also withdraws, while Livramento misses out after limited minutes for Newcastle this season.

England face Spain at Wembley on 26 September before travelling to the Czech Republic and Croatia, and later hosting the Czechs again on 6 October.

The extended international break will test Tuchel’s reshaped squad as they prepare for four matches in quick succession.

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