England's football team has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Spain. Five key players have withdrawn from the squad due to injury issues, the Football Association confirmed. The players affected are Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tino Livramento. This development has forced England manager Thomas Tuchel to make changes to his squad before the match at Wembley on September 26.
The withdrawals include some of England's most experienced players. Declan Rice, a 27-year-old midfielder from Arsenal, was part of England's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was expected to play a key role in the Nations League campaign. His absence leaves England without one of their key midfield options. Cole Palmer, a Chelsea forward, was also ruled out after returning to the England squad for the first time since the World Cup.
Marcus Rashford, who recently joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, is another major absentee. He was part of England's World Cup squad and had been selected by Tuchel for the new Nations League campaign before withdrawing through injury. Kobbie Mainoo, a 21-year-old midfielder from Manchester United, has also pulled out. Tuchel had praised Mainoo after the World Cup, saying he expected him to be on the pitch and that it was his duty to get him on the pitch.
Tino Livramento, a Newcastle United defender, completes the five-man list of players ruled out of the Spain match. He was part of England's initial squad for the Nations League window but has since been ruled out with an injury. Livramento also missed part of England's World Cup campaign after suffering a calf injury in training. The injuries have forced Tuchel to make changes to his squad.
In response to the withdrawals, Tuchel has called up two replacements: Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Everton midfielder James Garner. The pair were due to report to St George's Park on Tuesday with the rest of the squad. Garner has two senior caps, while Gibbs-White has six. The changes aim to strengthen the squad ahead of the Spain match.
England will host Spain at Wembley on September 26 in their first match of the 2026-27 Nations League campaign. The Three Lions will then face Czechia twice, either side of a trip to Croatia, during the extended international window. The team's performance in the Nations League will be closely watched, especially after the recent World Cup.
The withdrawals come as a significant setback for England, but Tuchel will look to make the most of the available squad. The team's ability to adapt to the changes and perform well against Spain and other opponents will be crucial in the Nations League campaign. The matches will provide an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark.
Key points
- England manager Thomas Tuchel has called up Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner to replace the injured players.
- The withdrawals include key players such as Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Marcus Rashford.
- England will host Spain at Wembley on September 26 in their first Nations League match.
