A late change to the England squad has been made with a Chelsea star benefitting from a withdrawal just over 24 hours before the Three Lions’ clash with Croatia
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to England’s World Cup squad to replace the injured Tino Livramento.
Chalobah was a mainstay in the Blues side under three different head coaches during the 2025/26 campaign – with the Cobham graduate making 47 appearances, and clocking almost 4000 minutes, in all competitions. The 26-year-old defender, who is a natural centre-back but can also cover on the right-hand side of the back line, received his first senior England cap just over 12 months ago in the defeat to Senegal at the City Ground.
Alongside Reece James, Chalobah becomes the second Chelsea representative in Thomas Tuchel ‘s squad. England are now sorting out Chalobah’s flight to Kansas City ahead of the Three Lions’ Group L opener against Croatia at the At&T Stadium in Dallas.
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England released the following 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, 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.”
While great news for Chalobah, Xabi Alonso will not be able to work with the Chelsea academy graduate until later than initially planned. Alonso begins his role as Blues manager on July 1 and will start working officially with his new squad later in the month before the group fly out to Sydney, Australia for the beginning of their pre-season tour.
