Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to the England squad in place of the injured Marc Guehi, with Thomas Tuchel potentially compensating for remarks he made at the start of the season.
It’s great news for Chalobah, who would have been disappointed to again be left out of Tuchel’s thoughts for the final round of World Cup qualifiers.
England face Serbia and Albania over the break, and Reece James was the only Chelsea man included in the squad. That was until reports of an injury to the Crystal Palace captain opened the door for a Chalobah return.
When fit, the Chelsea defender has been a fixture at the back for Enzo Maresca, starting ten of the 11 Premier League games so far.
Tuchel previously made comments about Chalobah that suggested he was close to breaking into his 26-man squad, and this decision has surely been made with those remarks in mind.
Just months after Tuchel gave Chalobah his first senior call-up, it was a surprise to see the Chelsea man snubbed ever since.
During the season’s first international break back in September, the England boss claimed Chalobah was unlucky to miss out on a spot. But when he opted to add an extra defender, it was Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarrell Quansah who was called upon.
As Matt Law pointed out on X: “I find it very odd that Thomas Tuchel made a point of saying Trevoh Chalobah was unlucky to be left out of his squad last week. But then when he adds an extra defender it’s Jarell Quansah. Nothing against Quansah but the selection doesn’t feel consistent with what Tuchel said.”
That was a confusing choice to many given his remarks, but perhaps this is the German’s way of making up for it — he knows Chalobah well, having given him his Chelsea debut.
Troy Deeney claimed Tuchel doesn’t fancy Chalobah for England, but he must step up to the plate if he’s given the chance. It won’t be long before Tuchel is making his final decisions for the summer, and nothing but a sharp, solid display from the 26-year-old will suffice.
Trevoh Chalobah scores for Chelsea
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Chalobah is Enzo Maresca’s number one choice at Chelsea
He may not be an established England international, but Chalobah starts for the Blues when fit.
As the most established central defender for one of the Premier League’s strongest sides this season, he ticks all the boxes to represent his country. Yes, there have been some rough moments. A criminal Chalobah error against Sunderland springs to mind.
But injuries and suspensions have left Chelsea plagued by inconsistency at the back and everyone has been guilty of lapses. Something like representing the national team can do wonders for confidence as well as motivating a player to raise their level.
This long overdue England call-up could be a turning point for the Chelsea centre-half this season.