Photo: Collected
England suffered a big blow even before the start of their Nations League campaign. The team have lost five players at once due to injury. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s side will have to start the Nations League without Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Tino Livramento and Kobbie Mainoo.
England’s Football Association (FA) confirmed the news of the five being ruled out on Monday. Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White have been called up to the squad in their place. The news was reported by Reuters.
The most talked-about name among those ruled out is Cole Palmer. After not getting a place in the World Cup squad, the Chelsea forward had returned to Tuchel’s plans once again. He was also in great form in the club’s shirt this season; Palmer has provided two assists along with four goals in seven matches.
He was also on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s match against Brentford on Friday. Although he was on course to cement his place on returning to the national team, Palmer has missed that opportunity for now due to injury.
England’s start in the Nations League is also against tough opposition. Tuchel’s side will face World Cup winners Spain at Wembley next Saturday. After that, their opponents on 29 September in Prague are the Czech Republic.
England will play against Croatia in Rijeka on 3 October. In the last match of the international break, the team will again face the Czech Republic at Wembley on 6 October.
Losing five players at once ahead of this important schedule has created added pressure on England’s preparation.
