Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White called up to England squad

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, according to Sky Sports.

Gibbs-White was initially omitted from Tuchel’s 26-man squad but has now been included for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on March 23 and 26, respectively.

He appears to have replaced Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who missed his side’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday due to injury.

While the Three Lions have yet to confirm Palmer’s absence, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made it clear that the attacking midfielder would not be available during the international break.

“I don’t think so. We never wish for players to get injured but in Cole’s case in this moment it will give him some rest physically and mentally so it could be good. He needs a scan and it is planned for Monday,” Maresca said.

Gibbs-White Set to Join England Squad on Monday

Gibbs-White’s call-up to the England squad is a reward for his outstanding form with Nottingham Forest, who sit third in the Premier League following their 4-2 win over Ipswich on Saturday.

His omission from Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad sparked backlash on Friday, with fans and pundits expressing their surprise at the decision.

The 25-year-old has registered five goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League appearances for Forest this season.

He made his senior England debut in August 2024 after being called up by interim manager Lee Carsley and has earned two caps so far. Gibbs-White will now join the squad at St George’s Park on Monday.

Morgan Gibbs-White will compete with Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Curtis Jones, and Jordan Henderson for a starting spot in Tuchel’s midfield.

On Friday, Tuchel was asked about the absence of Gibbs-White, along with his teammates Elliot Anderson and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The former Chelsea manager said: “I see Elliot Anderson as a No8, Morgan as a No10 and Callum as a winger.

“If you look at our squad you can also see they have huge competition on their position – world-class players who have proved themselves on the same level as Nottingham Forest, who have proved themselves in international football and even Champions League.

“They know it. They accept it. It is never easy to bring this message.”