England have confirmed the news that Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the World Cup on the eve of their first game, with Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah an 11th hour replacement
Trevoh Chalobah has been called up into England's World Cup squad
Trevoh Chalobah has been called up into England's World Cup squad
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Trevoh Chalobah has been drafted into England’s World Cup squad after Tino Livramento delivered an injury blow on the eve of the tournament.
Newcastle defender Livramento was ruled out after suffering a calf injury in training in the build-up to England’s opener with Croatia on Wednesday.
FIFA rules allow players who sustain a serious injury or illness to be replaced in a World Cup squad up to 24 hours before the team's first match of the tournament gets under way.
Chelsea defender Chalobah is flying out to the United States and will join up with the squad after the first game with Croatia.
It is a major blow for Livramento but he had been a fitness doubt before the squad was announced as he missed the end of the season with a thigh injury.
England boss Thomas Tuchel included him because the 23-year-old can play either side and his versatility was a bonus. But it leaves England with a worry because Reece James is the first choice right back but has struggled for fitness in the past season.
Djed Spence can play at right back but sees himself as a left back while Ezri Konsa and Chalobah are essentially centre halves who can fill in.
Reece James #24 of England applauds the fans
Reece James is England's first-choice right back but has struggled for fitness(Image: Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
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Chalobah has not featured for England since June 2025 when he played the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Senegal, but was on the bench for multiple World Cup qualifiers under Tuchel.
The FA said 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, 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.”
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