Tino Livramento ruled out of the World Cup with injury

England’s World Cup preparations have been rocked by the news that Tino Livramento is expected to be ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Livramento will be replaced by Trevoh Chalobah after the Newcastle United defender suffered a calf injury in training that is expected to keep him out for around six weeks.

Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed the news on Tuesday and it was later confirmed by the Football Association who said: “Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England’s 26-player squad at Fifa World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento.

“Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team’s basecamp 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.

“Fifa regulations allow participating teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.

“Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament.”

Livramento’s injury means that Tuchel’s gamble to hand the right-back a place in his 26-man squad has backfired.

Tuchel called-up Livramento, despite the fact the Newcastle United defender was out for almost two months with a thigh injury at the end of the season. Before that, he missed a similar amount of time with a hamstring injury.

Livramento was picked ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and would have provided Tuchel with an option on the right and the left side of defence. England’s other full-backs are Reece James, Nico O’Reilly and Djed Spence, while Jarell Quansah can also play at right-back and Dan Burn is able to play at left-back.

James and O’Reilly are in line to start against Croatia, with Chalobah due to link up with the squad in Kansas City when they return to England’s base camp following the Croatia game.

Chalobah offers Tuchel cover in the centre of defence and at right-back. He also allows the England head coach the option of using Ezri Konsa as cover for James at right-back.

Livramento played as a second-half substitute in the victory against New Zealand, with Spence starting at left-back in the same warm-up game.

James believes he is fit enough to start every game for England at the World Cup. But given his historic injury problems, playing James in all three group games before a busy knockout phase schedule would represent a risk.

Spence is having to play with a protective mask after having his jaw broken by Liam Delap, the Chelsea striker. Quansah started at right-back against New Zealand.

[Source: Daily Telegraph]