Newcastle United star Tino Livramento was given the nod to start for England in their clash with Serbia on Tuesday and, having shone in the resounding victory, the St James' Park fan favourite highlighted that he must head into the 2026 World Cup as head coach Thomas Tuchel's first-choice left-back instead of promising Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The 22-year-old has been a key man under Magpies boss Eddie Howe and played a pivotal role in the Three Lions extending their record of not conceding a competitive goal to more than 10 hours as a 5-0 win was secured in Belgrade thanks to Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford getting their names on the scoresheet.
England have moved to within touching distance of sealing early qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, having edged seven points clear at the top of Group K, and Livramento should be handed the opportunity to become one of the first names on the team sheet after shining for his country as well as Newcastle.
Livramento and Gordon Bond May be Valuable
Tino Livramento during a training session with England
Newcastle were not afraid to splash the cash when they landed Livramento from Southampton in August 2023, with the deal costing an initial £32million, and England have a golden opportunity to profit from the relationship he has built at club level with Anthony Gordon as they seek a long-term solution down the left-hand side.
Having been heavily involved when the Three Lions' under-21 side enjoyed European Championships glory during the summer, the former Chelsea teenager has taken his game to the next level while on Tyneside and his versatility means that he is comfortable playing on either side of the backline.
Reece James appears to be Tuchel's preferred option at right-back, despite there also being the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker vying to be included, and Livramento's confident performance in a difficult atmosphere against Serbia emphasised that he is ready to step up and become England's go-to name on the left-hand side of the defence.
Lewis-Skelly was omitted from the Three Lions' matchday squad for the encounter in Belgrade, even though he was named in the starting line-up for the win over Andorra last weekend, making it clear that Tuchel is still weighing up his options and has not been convinced with the World Cup on the horizon.
Livramento's existing bond with Newcastle teammates Gordon and Dan Burn - who has also been involved during the international break - could be invaluable by the time the England squad jets off to the tournament next year, aiming to finally follow in the footsteps of the greats in 1966.
Lewis-Skelly Disciplinary Record Still a Worry
Myles Lewis-Skelly in action for England
There is no doubting Lewis-Skelly's quality. He is comfortable in possession, wins free-kicks in dangerous positions and still has plenty of time to develop his game. But his disciplinary record, after picking up two red cards and seven yellow cards last season, is a concern when England will be wanting a consistent backline at the World Cup.
Livramento, on the other hand, has still not been sent off during his senior career and his ability to alter his role midway through a fixture - thanks to his versatility - will be beneficial if the Three Lions are struggling to break down a resolute opponent and decide to make an attack-minded change by bringing off a defender for a striker or playmaker.
Neither of Tuchel's leading options have World Cup experience, which would have been desirable, and he has found himself with a significant selection headache after Luke Shaw has struggled to overcome injuries in recent years. But Livramento's tenacity, reliability and partnerships with his Newcastle teammates should not be overlooked.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 10/09/2025
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