Morgan Gibbs-White set for England recall after Palmer injury

Morgan Gibbs-White is set to return to the England squad after being lined up as Cole Palmer’s replacement for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s initial squad but is now expected to receive a call-up after Palmer was forced to withdraw with a minor injury.

Gibbs-White was already close to selection, with Tuchel admitting on Friday that the 26-year-old had narrowly missed out.

Palmer injury opens England door

Palmer had been recalled by Tuchel after controversially missing England’s World Cup squad.

The Chelsea forward will now miss the extended international break after suffering a minor injury following Friday’s 3-0 defeat by Brentford.

 

Tuchel had previously challenged Palmer to prove himself, saying the 24-year-old had a “point to prove” and needed “to step up” to “keep his shirt and justify the nomination”.

England face World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to the Czech Republic three days later.

They then visit Croatia on October 3 before hosting the Czech Republic again on October 6.

Gibbs-White earns another opportunity

Gibbs-White last represented England in October 2025, featuring in a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales.

The Forest midfielder has started the current campaign strongly, registering one goal and two assists in five Premier League appearances.

Meanwhile, England could face further changes to their squad, with Manchester United pair Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both injury doubts after being substituted late during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

If Mainoo is ruled out, Everton midfielder James Garner is understood to be among the options to replace him.

Garner made his senior England debut in March but was subsequently omitted from the World Cup squad.