Cole Palmer expected to withdraw from England squad with injury

Cole Palmer is expected to withdraw from the England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches due to a small muscular injury and a decision to manage his workload. The Chelsea midfielder was recalled by head coach Thomas Tuchel last week after being left out of the World Cup squad, but will now miss the four fixtures over the extended international break. Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also doubts to join the squad due to fitness issues. Rashford was substituted during United's 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday, with manager Michael Carrick confirming he had "a bit of an issue." Mainoo was also replaced in that match and is managing an undisclosed injury. Palmer played the full 90 minutes of Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday night, his seventh appearance of the season. He has started the 2026-27 campaign in strong form, recording four goals and two assists in all competitions under new manager Xabi Alonso. However, the decision was made for him to sit out the international break to limit the risk of further injury after a disrupted 2025-26 season.