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England have been forced into an early change to their World Cup squad after Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament through injury.
The 23-year-old full-back suffered a calf problem during a training session on Sunday, just days before England's opening Group K match against Croatia. The setback comes after Livramento had already battled fitness concerns following a thigh injury that sidelined him for the final five weeks of the domestic season.
In response, England manager Thomas Tuchel has called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as his replacement. Chalobah, who has made one senior appearance for England, is expected to join the squad after Wednesday's clash against Croatia. While the rest of the team travel to Dallas, the 26-year-old is heading to the national team's training base in Kansas City.
Chalobah could gain valuable match fitness in a proposed behind-closed-doors fixture against MLS side Sporting Kansas City. England are reportedly discussing the possibility of arranging the match between their tournament opener and their second group encounter against Ghana next Tuesday.
Under FIFA regulations, teams are permitted to replace outfield players who suffer serious injuries or illnesses up to 24 hours before their first match of the competition.
Livramento earned his England debut under Gareth Southgate in November 2024 and went on to make five appearances during Tuchel's tenure. He started two matches and featured as a substitute during England's recent warm-up victory over New Zealand, although he remained on the bench against Costa Rica.
England's preferred option at right-back remains Reece James, but concerns over his fitness persist after another injury-affected campaign with Chelsea. The defender missed nine matches toward the end of the season because of a hamstring issue.
The squad does offer alternative options. Djed Spence, capable of operating on either flank, has featured six times under Tuchel. Ezri Konsa, naturally a central defender, has also demonstrated versatility and has earned 11 England caps, including nine starts.
Chalobah has not represented England since playing the full match in a friendly against Senegal in June 2025. Despite that, he remained part of Tuchel's wider plans, earning places on the bench during several World Cup qualifiers.
His inclusion is also a personal milestone. In 2018, while watching the World Cup final as a teenager, Chalobah posted a simple message on social media: "One day #Believe." Eight years later, that dream has become reality.
