Tino Livramento has a strong chance of making England’s final squad for the World Cup this summer.
Tino Livramento has downplayed suggestions that Reece James’ hamstring injury boosts his chances of making the World Cup squad.
As it stands, no timeline - other than “weeks” - has been given on the Chelsea star’s setback. James is Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice at right-back but has a notoriously poor injury record.
In truth, Livramento has also struggled to stay fit for Newcastle United this season. But he came through 90 minutes against Uruguay unscathed to earn his fourth England cap.
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Tino Livramento on Reece James
When asked whether James’ injury is a positive for him, Livramento said: “Not necessarily. Reece is an unbelievable player and I hope he comes back as soon as possible. To some extent, there is more edge (in these two games) because everyone wants to play (at the World Cup).
“It’s nice to get called up but it’s even better to be on the pitch. I’ve had to wait numerous times in the past for my opportunity. All I’m focused on is that chance to impress.”
Thomas Tuchel on full-back dilemma
Tuchel faced a grilling from the national press pack for leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his huge 35-man squad. The German called up Livramento, Djed Spence and Ben White as his right-back options.
"It’s just a choice,” Tuchel told reporters. “It’s a sporting choice and a difficult choice and maybe a hard choice and maybe to a certain degree maybe unfair, but these choices have to be made. The choice was for Ben White because I saw him play here in the cup final against Manchester City."
"He played the Champions League match I think before and was straight away back to his old self. It was the chance for me to meet him in person to see how he interacts with the group."
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