Thomas Tuchel has been forced to remove Tino Livramento from his World Cup squad just before the start of the tournament. The Newcastle United defender is struggling with a hamstring injury and will therefore miss the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as his replacement.
Livramento ruled out of World Cup as England call up Chalobah before Croatia opener
England have suffered an unwanted setback just before the start of their World Cup campaign, with Tino Livramento forced to withdraw from the squad because of a hamstring injury. The Newcastle United defender had looked set to be part of his first major international tournament with the senior national team, but a training-ground problem has ended that dream before England have even played their opening match.
The news comes at a delicate moment for Thomas Tuchel, who is preparing his side for a demanding first test against Croatia on 17-06-2026. England begin their Group L campaign at 22:00, knowing that a strong start could set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Instead of focusing only on tactical details and team selection, Tuchel has now had to make a late change to his defensive options.
Livramento had been building real momentum in his career and his inclusion in the squad was seen as another important step in his development. His athleticism, defensive discipline and ability to offer energy down the flank made him a valuable option for England, especially in a tournament where squad depth can become decisive very quickly. For the player himself, missing out at this stage will be a major personal disappointment.
Although the hamstring injury is not thought to be especially serious, England have decided not to take any unnecessary risks. In a short tournament, even a minor muscular issue can become a major problem, particularly when matches arrive quickly and recovery time is limited. The decision to replace Livramento suggests that the medical staff and coaching team felt it was better to act immediately rather than carry a player who might not be fully available.
For Livramento, the timing could hardly be worse. A first World Cup is a landmark moment for any player, and the defender appeared to be on course to experience that stage with England. Instead, he will now have to watch from outside the squad as his teammates begin their campaign. The hope will be that the injury does not affect his longer-term progress and that he can return to full fitness quickly after the tournament.
The English FA moved quickly after the decision was made and confirmed Trevoh Chalobah as the replacement. Tournament rules allow national teams to replace an outfield player from their provisional 55-man list up to 24 hours before their first World Cup match, which gave England the opportunity to make the change before facing Croatia.
Chalobah was not expecting the call. The defender was on holiday in the United States when he received the news that he would be joining the England squad. What had started as a break away from football suddenly became one of the biggest moments of his career. For a player who has had to be patient for opportunities at international level, this is a dramatic and unexpected route into a World Cup squad.
Tuchel knows Chalobah well from their time together at Chelsea. That relationship may have played an important role in the decision, as the England manager is already familiar with the defender his mentality, his tactical understanding and the way he handles different roles across the back line. In a situation where there is little time to integrate a new player, that existing trust can be extremely valuable.
Chalobah brings versatility, physical presence and composure in possession. He can operate as a central defender and has also been used in wider defensive positions, which gives Tuchel another flexible option during the group stage. That adaptability matters in a World Cup environment, where injuries, suspensions and tactical adjustments can force managers to change plans from one match to the next.
The call-up also represents a significant opportunity for Chalobah. He arrives in the squad under unusual circumstances, but the World Cup has often created unexpected stories for players who were not initially expected to play a major role. If England go deep in the tournament, every member of the squad could become important, and Chalobah will now have the chance to prove that he belongs at this level.
England will not want the late change to become a distraction. The focus now turns firmly to Croatia, an opponent with experience, technical quality and a strong tournament pedigree. England know that their opening match will be a serious examination, not only of their tactical preparation but also of their ability to deal with pressure from the first whistle.
Croatia have caused England problems in the past and remain a side capable of controlling the rhythm of big matches. Their midfield quality, patience in possession and experience in major tournaments make them a dangerous first opponent. For Tuchel, the challenge will be to ensure that England start with authority while avoiding the kind of mistakes that can decide tight group-stage games.
After Croatia, England will still have fixtures against Ghana and Panama in Group L. On paper, England will be expected to compete strongly for qualification, but World Cup groups rarely unfold exactly as predicted. A positive result in the opening match would ease pressure and give Tuchel more control over how he manages the squad across the remaining games.
The loss of Livramento is a setback, but England still have depth and quality across the squad. The key question is how smoothly Chalobah can adapt after such a late call-up and whether Tuchel will view him as immediate cover or as a genuine option for minutes during the tournament. Either way, the defender is now part of England World Cup plans at a time when every detail matters.
For Livramento, the story is one of frustration and bad timing. For Chalobah, it is a sudden and unexpected opportunity. For England, it is another reminder that tournament football can change quickly before the ball has even been kicked. With the Croatia match approaching, Tuchel must now make sure his squad absorbs the disruption and starts the World Cup with the focus and intensity required.
