Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Ollie Watkins have withdrawn from the England squad ahead of their upcoming Nations League fixtures. Manchester City forward Phil Foden, recently named PFA Player of the Year, was called up by interim England manager Lee Carsley but did not join the squad due to illness.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins both reported for duty at St George’s Park but have since returned to their clubs to continue their rehabilitation from ongoing issues, according to a statement from the Football Association.
England is set to face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, September 7, followed by a match against Finland at Wembley on September 10. These will be the team’s first fixtures since their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on July 14.
Following the Euros, Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager, leading to the appointment of under-21s boss Lee Carsley as interim manager on August 9. Carsley’s squad for the Nations League games includes call-ups for Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke—players he managed during his tenure with the England Under-21 team.
Additionally, Manchester City playmaker Jack Grealish, who was previously cut from England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad, has been recalled alongside Manchester United defender Harry Maguire. As England prepares for these crucial matches, Carsley’s squad will look to adapt to the recent changes and build momentum under his temporary leadership.
