England manager Thomas Tuchel has suffered a significant blow to his squad ahead of the Nations League campaign, with five key players withdrawing due to injury issues: Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento. The withdrawals come just as Tuchel has begun a new two-year international cycle that he hopes will culminate in success at Euro 2028, with England set to face Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Tuchel has responded by calling up James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White to strengthen his options for the upcoming fixtures.

The injury circumstances vary across the squad. Palmer, whom Tuchel had recently recalled despite limited appearances, has developed a minor muscle issue, whilst Rice has been rested due to accumulated workload and previous nerve and hamstring problems. Mainoo suffered no injury during Manchester United's game but requires additional recovery time following his complete absence from the World Cup squad. Rashford sustained a hip and groin injury whilst playing against Fulham, and Livramento continues his recovery from a calf injury that required surgery, with a recent training setback preventing him from featuring for Newcastle. Garner replaces Rice and Mainoo in central midfield, whilst Gibbs-White bolsters Tuchel's options at number ten alongside Bellingham, Rogers and Eze.