Palmer, Rice among five ruled out of England games

Cole Palmer was one of five players ruled out of England’s upcoming Nations League matches due to injury issues, the national team said on Tuesday. The absences include Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, Tino Livramento and Kobbie Mainoo, who will miss games against world champions Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic (twice). England have called up only two replacements: Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White. Palmer’s withdrawal denies coach Thomas Tuchel another chance to evaluate him after he was recalled following the World Cup squad’s run to the semi-finals and eventual defeat by Argentina. Palmer did play the full match in Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Brentford on Friday.