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Tom Hamilton
Multiple Authors
DALLAS — England has dealt with a significant injury setback just before their World Cup opener against Croatia, as Newcastle’s Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to take his place.
Livramento sustained a calf injury during training on Sunday, and sources have indicated he will be sidelined for approximately six weeks, eliminating him from World Cup participation and prompting England’s decision to bring in Chalobah.
“Arrangements are now underway for the Chelsea defender to join the team at their base camp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for their opening match against Croatia on Wednesday,” stated the FA.
“FIFA regulations permit teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours prior to their first match.”
This news poses a considerable challenge for coach Thomas Tuchel. Livramento, who can play as both a right and left back, entered the tournament with limited match fitness, having missed the last two months of the season due to a thigh injury.
He participated in the second half of England’s 1-0 victory over New Zealand in Florida but did not play in their final warm-up match against Costa Rica.
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Chalobah has one international cap, having debuted during their 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June 2025. He was part of the squad for the last two qualification matches in November 2025 but remained an unused substitute in both.
In an otherwise tumultuous season for Chelsea, Chalobah’s performance has been one of the few stable elements, making 34 appearances in the Premier League last season and scoring three goals.
He has been chosen over players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fikayo Tomori, Lewis Hall, and Harry Maguire for this important role.