Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill withdraw from England squad amid ‘injury exodus’

Eight of the twenty-six players called up by Lee Carsley for his final two games as interim England manager (before Thomas Tuchel takes over) have now withdrawn, including Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill. It’s an “injury exodus”, says ESPN! Noni Madueke is the only current Chelsea player remaining in the squad.

Over the weekend, Palmer played through the knee problem he suffered the week before against Manchester United, but was well below his usual levels in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal. Colwill’s withdrawal is probably also related to loading concerns. He’s played every Premier League minute so far this season — the only non-goalkeeper in the squad to do so.

The six others to pull out of England’s Nations League pseudo-friendlies over the upcoming fortnight include Phil Foden, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Aaron Ramsdale.

In their stead, Jarrod Bowen, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarred Morgan Rogers, Jarryd James Trafford, and former Chelsea prospect Tino Livramento have been called up. Livramento joins fellow potential debutant Lewis Hall plus fellow Cobhamites Dominic Solanke, Marc Guéhi, and Conor Gallagher in the squad. You’re welcome, England!