The Football Association confirmed that Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have all withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel’s squad because of injury issues.

The five players were initially included in Tuchel’s 27-man squad for the extended international window, but their withdrawals have forced the England manager to make changes ahead of the campaign.

Declan Rice is one of the most experienced absentees. The Arsenal midfielder featured in England’s 2026 World Cup squad and had been selected for the Nations League fixtures before his injury ruled him out.

Cole Palmer has also been forced to withdraw after returning to the England squad following the World Cup. Tuchel had previously highlighted the Chelsea forward’s importance and challenged him to produce strong performances when he returned to the team.

Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, is another major absentee. The forward was part of England’s World Cup squad and had been selected for the Nations League campaign before his injury.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has also pulled out of the squad. Tuchel had praised the 21-year-old after the World Cup, saying he expected him to play a bigger role for England. Mainoo had already been limited during the tournament after suffering an injury before the match against France.

Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento completes the list of five withdrawals. He was selected for the Nations League squad but has since been ruled out with an injury. Livramento also missed part of England’s World Cup campaign after suffering a calf problem in training.

Two players called up

Tuchel has responded by calling up Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and James Garner of Everton.

Gibbs-White has six senior England caps, while Garner has made two appearances for the national team. Both players were expected to join the rest of the squad at St George’s Park.

England will host Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, in their opening match of the 2026-27 Nations League campaign.

The Three Lions will then face Czechia twice, with a trip to Croatia also scheduled during the international window.