Gibbs-White set for first England recall in a year as Palmer withdraws injured

Morgan Gibbs-White is set to earn his first England recall in nearly a year after Cole Palmer withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad with a muscle injury, according to reports.

Palmer picked up the problem during Chelsea’s defeat to Brentford at the weekend and will play no part in the upcoming international fixtures. Gibbs-White, who was left out of Tuchel’s original selection, is now expected to come in as his replacement — returning to the squad for the first time since October 2024.

Tuchel had explained the Forest midfielder’s initial omission by pointing to a crowded pool of number tens. “It makes no sense to nominate three, four, five number 10s,” the England manager said. “We can see the form that Morgan is in. It’s one thing to be nominated, but it’s another thing to perform. This also counts, especially Cole needs to step up to justify the nomination.”

The explanation did not appear to sit well with Gibbs-White’s wife, Britney De Villiers, who posted on Instagram highlighting that the 24-year-old is the only Premier League player this season to have created five or more chances in every match he has featured in.

Gibbs-White has contributed one goal and two assists for Forest so far this campaign, following a standout 2023-24 season in which he scored 18 goals and registered seven assists. He has earned six caps for England in total since making his international debut under Lee Carsley in 2024.

Palmer’s withdrawal has attracted outside commentary, with pundit Jamie O’Hara arguing on talkSPORT that the Chelsea midfielder should override his club’s medical advice and travel to St George’s Park regardless. O’Hara drew on his own playing experience to make the case that players should take personal control of decisions about their fitness and international availability.

Gibbs-White may not be the only new face in the squad. Manchester United pair Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also reported to be doubts for the international break.