Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are both expected to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, while Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is also set to miss the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
David Ornstein revealed that Palmer is poised to leave the squad because of “load management”. Rashford and Mainoo are also doubts, with both Manchester United players expected to pull out.
Ornstein wrote on X: “Cole Palmer poised to withdraw from England squad due to load management.
“Marcus Rashford will be assessed for hip issue handled by Man Utd since the World Cup but expected to pull out. Kobbie Mainoo also among likely absentees through injury.”
🚨 Cole Palmer poised to withdraw from England squad due to load management. Marcus Rashford will be assessed for hip issue handled by Man Utd since World Cup but expected to pull out. Kobbie Mainoo also among likely absentees through injury @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ivund8rXPg
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 21, 2026
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo face England absences
Marcus Rashford had started against Fulham ahead of the international break but was taken off during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Fulham. Michael Carrick confirmed after the match that the forward had a problem.
“We had to bring him off as he had a bit of an issue,” Carrick said.
The issue is understood to involve Rashford’s hip, which United have been managing since the World Cup.
Mainoo’s situation is less clear. The midfielder played 80 minutes against Fulham and there has been no specific detail regarding the injury that could keep him out of England duty.
His possible withdrawal would be a disappointment, particularly after Tuchel had included him in the squad and was expected to give him minutes during the extended international break.
England are due to play four Nations League matches over the next two weeks, facing Spain, the Czech Republic, Croatia and the Czech Republic again.
With Palmer, Rashford and Mainoo all potentially unavailable, Tuchel could be forced to make adjustments before the first fixture.
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