England Suffer Livramento Injury Blow as Chalobah Called Up Ahead of Croatia Clash

Tino Livramento ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury in training
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah called up as a replacement before England’s opener
Thomas Tuchel loses a versatile defensive option on the eve of the tournament

England have suffered a significant setback ahead of their opening FIFA World Cup match against Croatia, with Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento ruled out of the tournament through injury.

The 22-year-old sustained a calf problem during training on Sunday, with reports indicating he is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks. The injury has forced England into a late squad change, with Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah drafted in as his replacement.

Under FIFA regulations, teams are permitted to replace an injured outfield player up to 24 hours before their first match of the tournament.

Confirming the change, the Football Association said in a statement: “Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team’s base camp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.”

The news represents a notable blow for England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who valued Livramento’s ability to operate on either flank in defence. Although the Newcastle defender arrived at the tournament short of match fitness after missing the final two months of the domestic campaign with a thigh injury, he remained an important squad option.

Livramento featured during the second half of England’s 1-0 victory over New Zealand in Florida but was left on the bench throughout the team’s final warm-up match against Costa Rica.

Chalobah now receives a late opportunity to be part of England’s World Cup campaign. The Chelsea defender has made one senior appearance for the national team, debuting in the 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June 2025. He was also included in England’s squad for their final two qualification matches later that year but did not feature.

The 26-year-old enjoyed one of the more consistent seasons in Chelsea’s difficult campaign, making 34 Premier League appearances and contributing three goals.

England’s decision to call up Chalobah ahead of several other defensive candidates, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fikayo Tomori, Lewis Hall and Harry Maguire, underlines the coaching staff’s confidence in his recent form and reliability.

England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, with Tuchel now tasked with reshaping his defensive plans following Livramento’s untimely injury.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.