England manager Thomas Tuchel has turned to Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as a late replacement for Tino Livramento, who has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury. The Newcastle full-back sustained a calf problem during training on Sunday, just days before England's opening match against Croatia.
Livramento's World Cup dream shattered
Livramento, 23, had been a fitness concern prior to the squad announcement after missing the end of the season with a thigh injury. Tuchel included him for his versatility, as he is capable of playing on either flank. However, a scan and medical assessment on Monday confirmed the calf injury would prevent him from taking any further part in England's campaign.
FIFA regulations permit teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their first match of the tournament. England's opener against Croatia is scheduled for Wednesday in Dallas, Texas.
Chalobah's return to the England setup
Chalobah, 26, has not featured for England since June 2025, when he played the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Senegal. He has, however, been a regular presence on the bench during World Cup qualifiers under Tuchel. The Chelsea centre-back is now set to fly to the United States and join the squad after the Croatia game.
The Football Association confirmed the move in a statement: "Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England's 26-player squad at FIFA World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento. Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team's basecamp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas for the Three Lions' opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday."
Right-back concerns for England
The injury to Livramento leaves England with a potential problem at right-back. First-choice Reece James has struggled with fitness issues over the past season, while Djed Spence, who can play on either side, primarily sees himself as a left-back. Ezri Konsa and Chalobah are essentially centre-halves who can fill in if needed.
Tuchel now faces a selection dilemma ahead of the Croatia clash, with several positions still up for grabs in the starting lineup.
