Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been called up to the England national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, following an injury to Chelsea star Cole Palmer. The announcement, made late on Sunday, March 16, marks a significant moment for the 25-year-old, who has been in scintillating form for his club this season.
Palmer, a key figure for both Chelsea and England, suffered a muscular injury during training on Saturday, ruling him out of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the severity of the injury post-match, stating, “He needs a scan, and it’s planned for Monday morning. I don’t think he’ll be fit for England.” With Palmer expected to withdraw from the squad, England head coach Thomas Tuchel turned to Gibbs-White as a replacement, adding the Forest playmaker to his first senior squad since taking charge on January 1, 2025.
Gibbs-White’s inclusion comes as no surprise to those who have followed his performances this season. The versatile midfielder has been a driving force behind Nottingham Forest’s unexpected push for a Champions League spot, contributing five goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League appearances. His standout display in Forest’s 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, where he provided an assist, earned praise from pundits, including Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer, who questioned Tuchel’s initial decision to omit him from the squad.
“He’s been one of the outstanding players for Nottingham Forest this season,” Shearer said on Match of the Day. “If he keeps playing the way he is, he’ll be in the England squad in the future. I’ve got no doubt about it.” Gibbs-White’s call-up ensures that future is now, offering him a chance to impress on the international stage.
The Stafford-born midfielder is no stranger to England’s youth setups, having won the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and the Under-21 European Championship in 2023. He made his senior debut under interim manager Lee Carsley in September 2024, coming off the bench in a Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland. Gibbs-White added a second cap in November, providing an assist in a 3-0 victory against Greece. His familiarity with the England setup and his versatility—capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, deep-lying playmaker, or box-to-box midfielder—make him a valuable addition to Tuchel’s squad.
England’s upcoming qualifiers, scheduled for March 21 against Albania and March 24 against Latvia, both at Wembley, mark the beginning of their campaign to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Tuchel’s first squad already featured surprises, including the return of Marcus Rashford and the inclusion of experienced players like Jordan Henderson, but Gibbs-White’s late addition adds further intrigue. He will compete with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Eberechi Eze for a place in the midfield, offering Tuchel a blend of creativity, work rate, and flair.
For Nottingham Forest fans, Gibbs-White’s call-up is a source of pride, reflecting the club’s resurgence under manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Sitting third in the Premier League table, Forest have defied expectations, and Gibbs-White has been at the heart of their success. His journey from a £25 million signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022 to a key figure in Forest’s midfield has been remarkable, and this England call-up is a testament to his growth.
Meanwhile, Palmer’s injury is a blow to both Chelsea and England. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer for the Blues this season, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in the Premier League. His absence from the international break may offer a silver lining, as Maresca noted, “In Cole’s case, it will give him some rest physically and mentally, which could be good.” Chelsea will hope for a swift recovery ahead of their next match against Tottenham Hotspur on April 3.