Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was called up to the England squad for the World Cup after Tino Livramento's injury, but had to cut his holiday short to join the Three Lions at the last minute
Samuel Meade
13:00, 23 Jun 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed by England
Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed by England(Image: Getty Images)
England's Trevoh Chalobah has admitted he is still trying to recover the cost of a holiday he abandoned after receiving his World Cup call-up.
The center-back is now part of the Three Lions' squad, having received the nod from Thomas Tuchel following Tino Livramento's injury setback on the eve of England's 4-2 win against Croatia. It was initially unclear who Tuchel would call up following Livramento's injury, as fans wondered whether former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold would get the nod.
Yet it was Chalobah who was picked. The Chelsea star had been enjoying a well-earned break after the Premier League campaign, but his impressive displays with the Blues had seen him feature on England's preliminary 55-man shortlist for the tournament.
Chalobah failed to make the cut for Tuchel's final 26-man selection, yet was swiftly drafted in when the Newcastle star's summer was curtailed by injury. He was in New York at the time, with little expectation of featuring at the tournament.
Having planned to travel from the west coast to the east coast of the United States, Chalobah had arranged a trip to Los Angeles — a plan that was promptly shelved upon receiving the England summons.
Chalobah said: "I wouldn't say [I was] ready, but I was on holiday in New York already, just planning my holiday and not thinking about the World Cup.
Trevoh Chalobah has joined England's World Cup squad
Trevoh Chalobah has joined England's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)
"I just got the text on the Monday. I was surprised, and I was ready to go. When we got the news at the end of the season, whether we were selected or not, he said, 'You're close.'
"I was disappointed that I didn't make it, but he did say, 'Stay ready.'
"So I managed to have a few sessions here and there, but really it was about enjoying my holiday.
"I flew up to New York and was meant to go to Los Angeles after that, but obviously had to cut it short when I got the message on Monday. I am still trying to get my money back."
Chalobah was so absorbed in his break that he actually missed Tuchel's initial call, leaving the England head coach waiting for hours.
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The Chelsea defender was exploring Times Square when the news came through that would alter the course of his summer plans.
"I was literally in Times Square. I went to the shops to get something. It was when I got back to my hotel I saw Thomas had texted, but it was two hours before," he added.
"I didn't see the message for two hours. I wasn't on my phone; I was just walking around the city. Got back to the hotel, looked at my phone, and he had asked if I could call him. My heart just dropped."