Why Aren't Bellingham, Palmer, and Saka Playing Against Serbia Tonight?

England will face Serbia in a crucial World Cup qualifier tonight, but they will have to do so without three star players: Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka. All three are sidelined due to injuries, impacting England's chances as they aim for a successful qualification campaign.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka are all absent from the squad due to injuries.
• Bellingham is recovering from shoulder surgery and has yet to play this season.
• Palmer suffered a groin injury, while Saka is dealing with a hamstring problem.
• England's head coach, Thomas Tuchel, will need to adapt the team dynamics in their absence.
• The match represents an important step in England's World Cup qualification journey.

Injury Updates on Key Players

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder and a standout for the England national team, is currently not in the squad due to a shoulder injury. He underwent surgery in July 2025 to address a recurring left shoulder dislocation that began troubling him in November 2023. Despite his absence from Real Madrid's lineup this season, reports from Spain suggest that his recovery is progressing well. He is expected to return to action by late September.

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer, the Chelsea attacking midfielder, is another significant absentee for England. He sustained a groin injury during the warm-up before Chelsea's recent 5-1 victory over West Ham. The 23-year-old took to Instagram last week, expressing optimism about a speedy return, although he missed the subsequent match against Fulham, which Chelsea won 2-0.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka, the talented winger from Arsenal, is also ruled out due to a hamstring issue. The 24-year-old's injury forced him to miss Arsenal's latest fixture, a critical 1-0 defeat against Premier League rivals Liverpool at Anfield. Saka has previously made 44 appearances for England, contributing 12 goals and eight assists, making his absence particularly notable.

Impact on the England Squad

The absence of Bellingham, Palmer, and Saka presents a significant challenge for England's head coach, Thomas Tuchel. With key players sidelined, Tuchel will need to adapt his strategy and potentially give opportunities to other players in his squad. This situation could allow emerging talents to prove themselves on an international stage, which may ultimately benefit the team in the long run.

England's World Cup Journey

England's men's team has been striving for success on the international stage, having reached the quarter-finals of the last World Cup held in 2022. Under the previous management of Gareth Southgate, England faced a tough exit against France. The national team has not lifted a major trophy since their World Cup victory in 1966, and they are eager to change this narrative, especially after finishing as runners-up in Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

What’s Next for England?

As England prepares to face Serbia, they will need to focus on maintaining a strong team spirit and cohesion despite the injuries. The match will serve as a vital component in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and a win could bolster their confidence in the upcoming matches. Tuchel’s ability to manage the team effectively in the absence of key players will be crucial to their success.

Conclusion

As the England national team gears up for a challenging match against Serbia, the absence of Bellingham, Palmer, and Saka raises questions about the squad's depth and adaptability. Tuchel will have the opportunity to showcase his tactical acumen and potentially give other players a chance to shine. With the stakes high for World Cup qualification, all eyes will be on how England performs amidst these challenges. Can they continue their pursuit of glory despite the setbacks? #ThreeLions #WorldCup2026 #InjuryUpdate

FAQs

Why are Bellingham, Palmer, and Saka not playing for England?

All three players are sidelined due to injuries. Bellingham is recovering from shoulder surgery, Palmer has a groin injury, and Saka is dealing with a hamstring problem.

When is Jude Bellingham expected to return to play?

Reports suggest that Jude Bellingham could return to action by late September 2023, as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

What impact will these injuries have on the England squad?

The injuries to key players may challenge England's strategy, but it also opens the door for other players to step up and prove their worth in the national team.

How has England performed in recent international competitions?

England reached the quarter-finals in the 2022 World Cup and finished as runners-up in both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, highlighting their competitive presence in recent tournaments.

Who is the current manager of the England national team?

The current head coach of the England national team is Thomas Tuchel, who has taken over the managerial reins following Gareth Southgate's tenure.