Tuchel reshapes England squad as five key players miss Nations League

Thomas Tuchel has overhauled England’s Nations League squad, ruling out five regulars and calling up two newcomers, a move that highlights the contrast between injury woes and fresh opportunities.

Key absences and club affiliations

Declan Rice of Arsenal, Cole Palmer of Chelsea and Tino Livramento of Newcastle United are among the five players omitted. The Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo also miss the call‑up.

Palmer, who was left out of Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup list, returned to the squad after playing the full ninety minutes in Chelsea’s 3‑0 defeat to Brentford on Friday.

Rice is coping with a muscular problem in his thigh and will observe a rest period during the upcoming FIFA window.

Livramento, who has endured nine different injuries since joining Newcastle United in 2023, now faces a new physical issue that forces his withdrawal.

Injuries, replacements and the fixture list

Rashford and Mainoo were both injured during Manchester United’s 1‑1 Premier League draw with Fulham on Sunday. Mainoo, aged twenty‑one, did not feature for England at the 2026 World Cup but had been in good form for United early this season; Tuchel had previously taken responsibility for not selecting him at the tournament.

To fill the gaps, the technical commission summoned Morgan Gibbs‑White of Nottingham Forest and James Garner of Everton.

England’s Nations League campaign begins against Spain on 26 September, followed three days later by a match with the Czech Republic. Further fixtures include Croatia on 3 October, a second Czech Republic game on 6 October, and November meetings with Croatia at home and Spain away.

Beyond the immediate changes, Tuchel also reinstated Palmer and Mainoo and opened the door for youngsters such as Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Alex Scott, signalling a broader reshuffle for the new cycle.