Cole Palmer withdraws from England squad due to injury

Cole Palmer withdrew from England's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches due to a minor injury. The 24-year-old Chelsea forward had been recalled by manager Thomas Tuchel after being controversially left out of the Three Lions' squad for the World Cup. Tuchel previously stated that Palmer had a "point to prove" and needed to "step up" to "keep his shirt and justify the nomination". However, Palmer would now miss the extended international break during which England plays four games.

The Three Lions are set to face World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September, followed by matches against the Czech Republic (29 September), Croatia (3 October), and a return fixture against the Czechs on 6 October. Palmer's withdrawal occurred after he played the full game for Chelsea in their 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday.

After having a summer off following his omission from World Cup selection, Palmer started six of Chelsea's seven matches this season, playing the full 90 minutes in five of them. He had scored four goals and provided two assists. Palmer had previously been hindered by a recurring groin injury during the 2025-26 season, a situation that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, now in charge at Manchester City, described as puzzling. Palmer last represented England in their 1-0 friendly defeat against Japan in March.