# Tuchel's England squad hit by injury crisis

> Five key players ruled out ahead of Nations League opener against Spain.
- Title: Tuchel's England squad hit by injury crisis · the Guardian
- Summary: Five key players ruled out ahead of Nations League opener against Spain. Thomas Tuchel must rebuild his midfield and attack for England's Nations League…
- Keywords: thomas tuchel, england football, nations league, cole palmer, declan rice, kobbie mainoo, marcus rashford, tino livramento, injury withdrawals, spain, euro 2028, sports
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/21/cole-palmer-injury-england-nations-league-rashford-kobbie-mainoo-spain-tuchel
- Published: 2026-09-21T13:39:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: thomas tuchel, england football, nations league, cole palmer, declan rice, kobbie mainoo, marcus rashford, tino livramento, injury withdrawals, spain, euro 2028, sports
## Five England stars sidelined
Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento have all withdrawn from Tuchel's squad due to injury ahead of the Nations League.
## Palmer's recall cut short
Palmer was recalled by Tuchel on Friday after a strong Chelsea start, but a minor muscle issue has forced him out. The 24-year-old has made just three appearances under Tuchel.
## Rice needs rest after workload
Arsenal's Declan Rice has played every Premier League match this season and needs managing. He dealt with a nerve issue in his hamstring last season that affected his lower back.
## Mainoo benched at Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo was substituted after 80 minutes of Manchester United's match at Fulham on Sunday. Tuchel has promised him minutes in the coming weeks after he didn't play at the World Cup.
## Rashford's hip and groin concern
Marcus Rashford was substituted in the 77th minute against Fulham and was seen holding his hip and groin area as he walked off. Tuchel has championed Rashford but used him sparingly after the World Cup.
## Livramento still recovering from surgery
Newcastle's Tino Livramento sustained a calf injury in World Cup training and had surgery. He returned as a substitute last month but suffered a setback and hasn't started a game this season.
## Garner and Gibbs-White called up
James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White have been called up as replacements. Garner covers central midfield while Gibbs-White adds attacking options alongside Bellingham, Rogers and Eze.
## Key takeaway

Thomas Tuchel must rebuild his midfield and attack for England's Nations League campaign after losing Palmer, Rice, Mainoo, Rashford and Livramento to injury.