Cole Palmer withdraws from England squad after earning recall

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming international break as his workload and a muscle problem are managed.

The 24-year-old had been recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel for the Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia (twice) and Croatia after missing this summer’s World Cup.

However, Palmer will now remain with Chelsea rather than join the national team for the three-week international window.

The decision comes after he completed the full 90 minutes of Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League defeat against Brentford on Friday.

Palmer has started the campaign strongly despite Chelsea’s inconsistent results, registering four goals and two assists across seven appearances in all competitions.

His performances earned him another opportunity with England after manager Thomas Tuchel surprisingly omitted him from the World Cup squad.

Palmer last represented the Three Lions against Japan in March and has scored twice in 14 senior international appearances.

His withdrawal is another reminder of the fitness difficulties that disrupted his 2025-26 campaign, when injuries limited his availability for Chelsea.

Blues manager Xabi Alonso expressed optimism before the season that those problems were behind Palmer, explaining that he had worked extensively on injury prevention following a difficult period.

Chelsea are now taking a cautious approach with one of their most influential players as a demanding domestic and European schedule develops.

Palmer’s absence is a setback for Tuchel after he had given the midfielder an opportunity to force himself back into his plans.

Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are additional fitness concerns ahead of the camp.

Rashford is being assessed after he was withdrawn during United’s Premier League game against Fulham, with manager Michael Carrick confirming that he had an issue.

Mainoo is another potential absentee despite playing 80 minutes at Craven Cottage.

England begin their Nations League campaign with a major test against world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26 before travelling to Prague to face Czechia three days later.

Tuchel’s side visit Croatia on October 3 before completing the extended international window with the return game against Czechia at Wembley three days later.