Cruel twist for Livramento, surprise opportunity for Chelsea defender
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 16.06.26. | 23:10
He will be available for England's remaining group-stage matches against Ghana and Panama
England's World Cup campaign has suffered an early setback before a ball has even been kicked.
Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament through injury, forcing Thomas Tuchel into a late change to his squad less than 24 hours before the Three Lions' opening Group L clash against Croatia. His replacement will be Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
BREAKING: Tino Livramento has suffered a hamstring injury and is out of the World Cup, with Trevoh Chalobah being called up to replace him 🚨🏴 pic.twitter.com/k2i88s76kd
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 16, 2026
The timing could hardly be worse for Livramento, who had been hoping to make his major tournament debut after earning a place in Tuchel's World Cup plans. Capable of operating on either flank, the Newcastle United defender was considered a valuable option heading into England's opener.
Instead, a calf injury has brought his World Cup dream to a premature end.
Livramento's withdrawal continues a frustrating run of fitness problems. The 22-year-old endured an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign at Newcastle, making just 17 Premier League appearances. Knee problems, a hamstring setback and a thigh injury combined to disrupt his season, with the latter ruling him out for the final weeks of the domestic campaign.
He will now return to Newcastle to begin his rehabilitation.
England have moved quickly to fill the vacancy, turning to Chalobah, a player whose career has been closely linked to Tuchel's.
It was the German coach who handed the defender his Chelsea debut in 2021 and later gave him his first senior England call-up. Now, Tuchel has once again placed his trust in the 26-year-old by bringing him into England's World Cup squad.
While Chalobah is primarily a centre-back, his versatility is believed to have been a major factor behind the decision. The Chelsea defender is capable of operating at right-back and in defensive midfield, qualities that are particularly valuable during the condensed schedule of an international tournament.
Some observers may have expected England to choose a more natural full-back as Livramento's replacement. However, Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of flexibility and character within his squad, and Chalobah offers both.
The defender arrives in North America after arguably the most consistent season of his career. He made 47 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea and established himself as one of the more reliable figures in a campaign that often proved turbulent for the London club.
Chalobah is unlikely to feature against Croatia on Wednesday, but he will be available for England's remaining group-stage matches against Ghana and Panama.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
Monday, 15.06.
Ivory Coast - Ecuador 1-0 (0-0)
/Diallo 90/
Sweden - Tunisia 5-1 (2-1)
/Ayari 7, 90+6, Isak 30, Gyokeres , Svanberg 84 - Rekik 43/
Spain - Cabo Verde 0-0
Belgium - Egypt 1-1 (0-1)
/Hany 66 og - Ashour 20/
Tuesday 16.06.
Saudi Arabia- Uruguay 1-1 (1-0)
/Amri 41 - Araujo 80/
Iran - New Zealand 2-2 (1-1)
/Ramin 33,Mohebi, 64- Just, 7,54/
22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)
Wednesday
01.00: (12.0) Iraq (6.50) Norway (1.27)
04.00: (1.47) Argentina (4.60) Algeria (8.10)
07.00: (1.40) Austria (5.00) Jordan (9.00)
20.00: (1.30) Portugal (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)
23.00: (1.75) England (3.90) Croatia (5.00)
***odds are subject to change***