Palmer, Rashford, Mainoo Expected to Miss England Duty

Cole Palmer is withdrawing from the England squad because of a muscle injury, Sky Sports reported. Thomas Tuchel had recalled the 24-year-old on September 18, 2026 and named him in a 27-man squad; that same day Palmer completed 90 minutes in Chelsea's 3-0 loss to Brentford. Palmer has four goals and two assists in seven appearances this season. Explaining the recall, Tuchel said: "Cole has his numbers back. Assists, decisive goals. I think he has a point to prove." Palmer had said: "Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages, but I think I can [get fitter] with games and more minutes," adding: "Since I’ve come back, I’ve been working every day to obviously stop it from happening again. I just want to stay injury-free, and if I’m on the pitch, then I know what I can do." Morgan Gibbs-White is set to replace him. Marcus Rashford was substituted off during Manchester United's match against Fulham and Kobbie Mainoo is also a doubt. England host Spain at Wembley on September 26 at 7.45pm, play Czechia in Prague on September 29 at 7.45pm, visit Croatia on October 3 at 5pm and host Czechia on October 6 at 7.45pm. Palmer, who has two goals in 14 England appearances, last played for the national team against Japan in March.