GIBBS-WHITE RETURNS TO ENGLAND SQUAD AFTER PALMER INJURY

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been called into the England squad to replace Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, who has withdrawn from international duty because of a minor injury. Palmer had been recalled by manager Thomas Tuchel for England’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures after missing the country’s 2026 World Cup squad, but his return to the national team has now been delayed by the latest fitness setback.

Palmer had featured regularly for Chelsea at the start of the new Premier League campaign and completed the full 90 minutes in the club’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday. The 24-year-old had started six of Chelsea’s first seven league matches and recorded four goals and two assists during that period. His latest injury comes after he endured a disrupted 2025/26 season because of recurring fitness problems, including a groin issue that affected his availability.

Gibbs-White, 26, was initially left out of Tuchel’s squad despite being considered close to selection. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has now received another opportunity to return to the England setup after making his most recent international appearance in October 2025 during a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales. He has also made a positive start to the current domestic campaign, registering one goal and two assists in five league appearances for Forest.

The call-up gives Gibbs-White the opportunity to feature in England’s extended Nations League schedule, which begins with a meeting against reigning world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26. England will then travel to face the Czech Republic on September 29 before playing Croatia away on October 3. Tuchel’s side will conclude the international period with another home fixture against the Czech Republic on October 6.

Palmer will instead remain with Chelsea as he continues his recovery from the latest injury setback, while Gibbs-White prepares to join the England squad. The Forest midfielder’s return comes only days after he missed out on the initial selection, with Tuchel having previously acknowledged that he was close to making the squad. His late inclusion now gives him another chance to compete for a place as England begin their next Nations League campaign.