Palmer set to pull out of England squad over load management

Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer is set to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad due to load management, dealing a blow to the Three Lions ahead of their Nations League fixtures.

According to a report by The Athletic, Palmer, 24, played the full 90 minutes of Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday but will miss the upcoming international break, having earned a recall after missing the World Cup.

Manchester United pair Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also doubts. Rashford, nursing a hip issue managed since the World Cup, was substituted in the 77th minute against Fulham on Sunday, with United boss Michael Carrick confirming “he had a bit of an issue.” Mainoo, who played 80 minutes in the same game, is also unlikely to feature due to injury.

Palmer has scored four goals in seven appearances for Chelsea this season, after a 2025-26 campaign disrupted by injury.