Morgan Gibbs-White set to replace Palmer in England squad
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is in line for an England recall to replace the injured Cole Palmer for upcoming Nations League matches.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to be called up for England's squad
- Cole Palmer is set to withdraw from international duty due to a minor injury
- The Three Lions face a busy schedule with four Nations League fixtures
- Thomas Tuchel previously admitted the Forest midfielder was close to selection
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is reportedly in line for a recall to the England national team. He is expected to step in for Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, who is on the verge of withdrawing from the upcoming international fixtures due to a minor fitness issue.
The 26-year-old midfielder was initially left out of Thomas Tuchel's primary squad selection for the forthcoming Nations League matches. However, with the 24-year-old Palmer sidelined, Gibbs-White—who has contributed one goal and two assists across five league appearances this season—has emerged as the primary replacement.
Palmer's withdrawal follows his full 90-minute appearance in Chelsea's 3-0 defeat away to Brentford on Friday. Despite missing out on World Cup selection over the summer, he has started six of Chelsea's seven league games this term, managing four goals and two assists, though hampered by a recurring groin issue.
The Three Lions face a demanding stretch of four fixtures during this international break. They are set to host World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, before traveling to face the Czech Republic on September 29 and Croatia on October 3, ahead of a home rematch against the Czechs on October 6.
Photo by Vishal Butolia / Unsplash
Squad rotation and managing player fatigue remain critical challenges for international managers during packed calendar windows. Sudden withdrawals due to club-level workload often force tactical adjustments just days before crucial competitive fixtures.
In addition to Palmer, Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also considered fitness doubts following their substitutions in the closing stages of Sunday's 1-1 draw against Fulham. If Mainoo withdraws, Everton midfielder James Garner is reportedly positioned as a strong candidate to replace him.
"Gibbs-White was close to making the cut and is now expected to replace Chelsea's Palmer."
Thomas Tuchel
According to reports from BBC Sport, Gibbs-White last featured for the senior England side during a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales in October 2025. Meanwhile, Tuchel continues to assess his squad depth as injuries impact preparations for the upcoming Nations League encounters.
Source: BBC Sport
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment