England have announced that Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have returned to their respective clubs and will not feature in the side’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The Three Lions get their Nations League campaign underway against Republic of Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday before welcoming Finland to Wembley three days later.
The double-header marks the start of Lee Carsley’s reign as interim head coach following Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down in the wake of Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
England confirmed that there are currently no plans to replace Palmer, Foden or Watkins in their squad to face the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
‘Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden will play no part in England’s forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures,’ a short FA statement read this evening.
‘The Three Lions squad reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday but, following assessment, both Palmer and Watkins returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues.
‘Foden did not report through illness and is ruled out of the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland.’
Facing the media at the weekend, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said it was unlikely that Foden would join up with England as the attacking midfielder had come down with an illness.
‘I don’t think so right now,’ Guardiola told reporters when asked about Foden’s chances of lining up against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
‘I think he will not go but I don’t know. He doesn’t feel well. But national teams, they decide.’
Chelsea attacker Palmer had hoped to win his tenth and 11th caps for England before pulling out of Carsley’s squad.
The 22-year-old scored in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain and was voted the PFA Young Player of the Year for last term.
This season, Palmer has started all three of Enzo Maresca’s three opening league matches in charge of Chelsea, racking up one goal and four assists in the English top flight.
More to follow.
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