Cole Palmer is expected to withdraw from England’s squad because of a minor muscular injury, with Chelsea seeking to manage his workload after an injury-disrupted previous season. Morgan Gibbs-White has been called up as his replacement, while the decision may reignite debate over club-versus-country priorities, particularly after Thomas Tuchel said Palmer needed to perform to justify his selection.

Palmer has scored four goals and provided two assists in seven matches this season, having started every Premier League game under Xabi Alonso. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also reportedly likely to withdraw through injury, while Chelsea’s João Pedro has left Brazil’s squad and Moisés Caicedo was omitted by Ecuador; England are due to face Spain, Czechia and Croatia during the break.