Key England Players Withdraw from Nations League Matches

Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Ollie Watkins have all withdrawn from the England squad ahead of their Nations League fixtures. Foden, who recently earned the PFA Player of the Year award, was unable to join due to illness. Meanwhile, Palmer and Watkins have returned to Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively, to continue their rehabilitation for ongoing issues.

As England prepares to face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and host Finland at Wembley, interim manager Lee Carsley has made several call-ups. Notable inclusions are Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke, all of whom played under Carsley in the Under-21 team. Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire have also been recalled to the squad.

These Nations League matches will be England's first since their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, a loss that led to Gareth Southgate's resignation and Carsley's interim appointment. With these changes, England aims to adapt and strengthen for the upcoming challenges.