Livramento ruled out of World Cup with calf injury; Chalobah summoned as England's late replacement
Tino Livramento was ruled out of England's World Cup campaign with a calf injury, prompting coach Thomas Tuchel to call up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah ahead of Wednesday's Group L opener against Croatia.
Injury in training
Livramento suffered the injury during a training session on Sunday in Kansas City, where the squad is based. A scan and medical assessment on Monday confirmed the Newcastle defender could take no further part in the tournament. The English Football Association issued a statement:
The 23-year-old had already missed the final five weeks of the domestic season with a thigh problem, and his campaign was riddled with setbacks including two knee injuries and a hamstring issue that kept him out for 15 matches.A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England's tournament.
- Livramento sustains calf injury during training in Kansas City.
- Scan confirms injury; ruled out of the tournament.
- FA announces Chalobah as replacement.
- England faces Croatia in Group L opener in Arlington, Texas.
The replacement
Tuchel turned to Trevoh Chalobah, a 26-year-old centre-back who can also operate at right back. Chalobah, who made his Chelsea breakthrough under Tuchel in 2021, last appeared for England in a friendly against Senegal in June 2025. He amassed 47 appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring three goals, and spent the previous campaign on loan at Crystal Palace before being recalled to bolster an injury-hit defence. England’s official social media posted a message to Livramento:
We are very sad for you, Tino, and we wish you a speedy recovery.
Right-back uncertainty
The injury deepens concerns on the right side of England’s defence. First-choice Reece James is also battling fitness after missing nine games for Chelsea with a hamstring problem. Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa are alternative options; Spence can play on either flank and has made six appearances under Tuchel, while Konsa has 11 caps but is primarily a centre-back. Livramento had been expected to serve as James’s understudy, offering versatility at both full-back positions.
Tournament context
England faces Croatia in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday. FIFA regulations permit teams to replace an injured outfield player up to 24 hours before their first group match, provided the replacement is drawn from the provisional 55-man release list. Chalobah will join the squad after the opener and could feature later in the group stage if needed.
