Chelsea centre back Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to replace Tino Livramento after the Newcastle right back suffered a tournament-ending injury in the United States.
Livramento has suffered a calf injury and will fly home from the tournament after scans confirmed a low-grade tear.
Although the recovery time is just a few weeks, this has been deemed too long for him to remain with the England camp and he will play no part in the tournament. He will return to Newcastle to undertake rehabilitation work at the club in time for pre-season.
England boss Thomas Tuchel will replace Livramento with Chelsea’s Chalobah, who is on England’s stand-by list. Chalobah is currently on his way to team up with the squad in Kansas City, Missouri and will be available from their second group stage game against Ghana next Tuesday.
Although Livramento was expected to start on the bench behind Reece James, Tuchel has stressed the importance of having substitutes to carry his side over the line late in games, particularly amid the extreme heat in North America.
Given that Chalobah’s natural position is at centre-back (he has played just 97 minutes at right back in the Premier League this season), it is perhaps surprising that Tuchel has continued to overlook Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, leaving James as the only recognised right back in the squad.
News of Livramento’s (right) injury lands just a day before England take on Croatia in their Group L opener in Dallas on Wednesday and is far from ideal for the Three Lions’ head coach
Chalobah has been enjoying the summer off-season, sharing footage of himself training from the Mediterranean through his partnership with sportswear brand Alo
Newcastle full back Lewis Hall, who also enjoyed an impressive season in the Premier League, also misses out.
Djed Spence was picked by Tuchel in part because of his versatility across the back line, but in reality has only started three games for Tottenham at right back this season – although was moved there mid-game a further six times. Declan Rice has played the next highest number of right-back minutes behind Spence with 107.
The news comes just a day before England take on Croatia in their Group L opener in Dallas on Wednesday and is far from ideal for the Three Lions’ head coach.
Livramento has made six appearances for the national team, first receiving his call-up from Lee Carsley in August 2024, during the Under 21s boss’ spell as caretaker head coach.
Well known to Carsley, having played under him with the U21s, Livramento made his debut in November in England’s 5-0 Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland.
His performances at St James’ Park under Eddie Howe ultimately impressed Tuchel enough to include him in his 26-man squad for the World Cup – his first major tournament. But his involvement in the tournament had already been in doubt after he missed the final five weeks of the season with a thigh injury.
Chalobah meanwhile has been enjoying the summer off-season, sharing footage of himself training from the Mediterranean through his partnership with sportswear brand Alo.
The FA confirmed 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.
Given that Chalobah’s natural position is at centre-back, it is perhaps surprising that Tuchel has continued to overlook Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold
Chelsea captain Reece James is now the only recognised right back in Tuchel’s England squad
‘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, Texas for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.
‘FIFA regulations allow participating teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.
‘Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament.’
