England announced the news on the eve of their first match that Tino Livramento had been ruled out of the World Cup and was replaced in the 11th hour by Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah.
Trevor Chalobah called up to England World Cup squad
Trevor Chalobah was drafted into England’s World Cup squad after Tino Libramento suffered an injury on the eve of the tournament.
Newcastle defender Libramento was ruled out after sustaining a calf injury in training for England’s opening game against Croatia on Wednesday.
FIFA rules allow seriously injured or injured players to be included in the World Cup squad up to 24 hours before the start of the first match of the tournament.
Chelsea defender Chalova will fly to the United States and join the team after the first match against Croatia.
It’s a big blow for Livramento, who missed the final stages of the season with a thigh injury, and his fitness was in question even before the squad was announced.
England manager Thomas Tuchel selected the 23-year-old because he could play for either team and was versatile. However, there are doubts for England as Reece James is the first choice at right-back but struggled for fitness last season.
Jed Spence sees himself as a left-back, although he can also play at right-back, and Ezri Konsa and Chaloba are essentially centre-halves who can fill in for him.
Reece James is England’s first-choice right-back but has struggled with his fitness (Image: Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
Chalobah has not featured for England since playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Senegal in June 2025, but was on the bench in several World Cup qualifiers under Tuchel.
“Trevo Chalobah has been called up to England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Tino Libramento unfortunately unavailable due to injury,” the FA said in a statement.
“Arrangements are currently being made for the Chelsea defender to travel to the team’s base camp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will travel to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions’ group opener against Croatia on Wednesday.
“Under FIFA regulations, participating teams are allowed to substitute outfield players up to 24 hours before the opening game.
“Newcastle United defender Libramento sustained a calf injury during training on Sunday afternoon. Subsequent tests and medical tests on Monday unfortunately confirmed that he will be unable to play any further in the tournament in England.”
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