Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has received a late call-up to the England squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. The 25-year-old is set to replace Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who was sidelined due to injury and missed his club’s recent fixture against Arsenal.
Gibbs-White, who made his senior debut for England last September, has already earned two international caps. His inclusion marks an opportunity to further establish himself at the international level under the management of Thomas Tuchel, who took charge of the national team at the beginning of the year.
Tuchel recently announced his first England squad, and while Gibbs-White was not initially included, the manager acknowledged that several players were unfortunate to miss out. He specifically mentioned Gibbs-White, along with James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Jacob Ramsey, and Jarrad Branthwaite, as those who were on the fringes of selection. Now, with Palmer’s injury creating an opening, the Forest midfielder has been handed a chance to impress.
Gibbs-White has been a key figure for Nottingham Forest, demonstrating creativity and versatility in midfield. Since joining the club, he has been instrumental in their attacking play, regularly contributing with goals and assists. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with many believing he is deserving of more international opportunities.
England’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup begins with back-to-back fixtures at Wembley. Facing Albania and Latvia, Tuchel’s side will look to start strong as they build towards the tournament. The manager has brought fresh ideas to the squad, and the inclusion of Gibbs-White suggests that he values players who can add flair and dynamism to the team.
For Gibbs-White, this call-up represents another step in his development and an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the new England setup. With competition for places fierce, he will be eager to seize the moment and prove he belongs on the international stage.
