England have confirmed the withdrawal of three players ahead of the Nations League games

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England have confirmed the withdrawal of three players ahead of the Nations League games

England have confirmed that Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins have all been withdrawn from the squad for the September international break.

Foden has been known to have doubts about preparing for the Nations League games, having sat out Manchester City’s last two games. Pep Guardiola has admitted that it is unlikely that he will play in England.

The midfielder did not report to duty due to his illness and has now been officially dropped from the squad along with Palmer and Watkins.

“The Three Lions team reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday but, following tests, both Palmer and Watkins returned to their respective clubs to continue to address ongoing issues,” a short statement read.

Importantly for both Chelsea and Aston Villa, neither Palmer nor Watkins are believed to have suffered any injury problems.

Palmer appeared to pick up a hamstring injury in the Conference League defeat to Servette but completed 90 minutes against Crystal Palace three days later. Chelsea confirmed his withdrawal “to continue to address ongoing issues”.

As for Watkins, the striker has been withdrawn for an hour in each of Villa’s three Premier League games, with manager Unai Emery insisting he lacks fitness after a long summer with England at Euro 2024.

“He came here slightly injured, he wasn’t really 100% when he started training with us,” said Emery recently. “He needed one week more rest time than other players after his return.”