Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Ollie Watkins have withdrawn from England’s squad ahead of their upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. Foden, recently named PFA Player of the Year, was unable to join the squad due to illness. Meanwhile, Palmer and Watkins, who reported to St George’s Park, have returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues, as confirmed by the Football Association.
England, now under interim manager Lee Carsley following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after their Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, will play Ireland in Dublin on September 7 and host Finland at Wembley three days later. Carsley, appointed on August 9, has called up Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke, all of whom played under him during his tenure with the England Under-21s.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire have also been recalled, with Grealish returning after missing out on the Euro 2024 squad.