England Rocked Before World Cup Opener: Livramento Out, Chalobah Called Up
Just a day before their 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia, England have been dealt an unwelcome blow: right-back Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament through injury, with Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah drafted in as his replacement. For Thomas Tuchel, finalising plans in Dallas, it is the last disruption he wanted on the eve of the campaign.
England’s Squad Change: Livramento Ruled Out
According to multiple reports, Livramento suffered a calf injury in training on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks, a timeframe that ends his World Cup before it began. England confirmed his withdrawal on Tuesday. The versatile defender, who can cover both full-back roles, had already missed the closing two months of the club season with a thigh problem, meaning he arrived short of match sharpness. Fresh injury and squad news is tracked at our live scores hub.
Trevoh Chalobah Steps In for Tuchel
The man called up to replace him is Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. FIFA regulations allow teams to replace an injured outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture, and England moved inside that window. Chalobah is now travelling to the team’s base camp in Kansas City while the rest of the squad heads to Dallas for the Croatia tie. A reliable, physical defender who can play centre-back or fill in at right-back, Chalobah fits the practical need for defensive cover rather than attacking flair. With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire both left out of the original squad, pundits have called the choice unsurprising: Tuchel wants dependable, plug-and-play solidity at the back.
What It Means for the Croatia Opener
Losing a two-footed, multi-position full-back trims England’s rotation depth, a concern across a congested group stage where fatigue and injury risk pile up on the flanks. In the short term, Tuchel is likely to stick with his established starting full-backs and treat Chalobah as versatile bench insurance. The forced change may at least push the staff to settle their defensive roles earlier. Against a technically sharp, midfield-strong Croatia side, England’s ability to start solidly with one fewer wide option will be the first real test of Tuchel’s in-game management. For the tactical breakdown, see our England vs Croatia preview, and the full group picture on the fixtures page.
The World Cup can be unforgiving before a ball is even kicked. For England, turning this sudden setback into squad unity may matter more than dwelling on who should have made the list — and kick-off will deliver the first answer soon enough.
