Morgan Gibbs-White set to replace Cole Palmer in England squad

In partnership with

The Football Faithful

·21 September 2026

Morgan Gibbs-White set to replace Cole Palmer in England squad

Morgan Gibbs-White is set to earn an England recall after Cole Palmer withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad with a minor injury.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was initially left out of the squad for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, but Tuchel indicated last week that Gibbs-White had been close to selection. He is now expected to come into the group as Palmer’s replacement.

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Palmer had been recalled after missing England’s World Cup squad and was given a clear challenge by Tuchel to reproduce his strong club form at international level. The Chelsea forward has made an impressive start to the new season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in seven appearances.

However, he played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat by Brentford on Friday before his withdrawal was confirmed. Palmer had also dealt with a recurring groin problem during the 2025-26 campaign.

Morgan Gibbs-White set to replace injured Cole Palmer in England squad

His absence opens the door for Gibbs-White, who has continued to impress for Forest. The 26-year-old has one goal and two assists from five Premier League appearances this season and was particularly influential during Forest’s successful fight against relegation last term.

Tuchel said when announcing the original squad that Gibbs-White had been “very close” to selection, but explained that he did not want to overload the squad with players competing for the same No. 10 role.

Gibbs-White last represented England in October 2025, when he featured in the 3-0 friendly victory over Wales.

England’s unusually long international window begins with a meeting against World Cup holders Spain at Wembley on 26 September. Tuchel’s side then face the Czech Republic away on 29 September, Croatia on 3 October and the Czechs again at Wembley on 6 October.

Palmer’s withdrawal means he will have to wait for another opportunity to make his return to the England side after last featuring in March’s 1-0 friendly defeat by Japan.