Tino Livramento Withdrawn from England World Cup Squad; Trevoh Chalobah Called Up
Tino Livramento withdrawn from England’s 26-man World Cup squad with a calf injury; Trevoh Chalobah called up ahead of England’s June 17, 2026 opener vs Croatia.
England defender Tino Livramento has been withdrawn from the national squad for the 2026 World Cup after suffering a calf injury, the Football Association confirmed on Monday. Trevoh Chalobah has been summoned as his replacement in the 26-man roster ahead of England’s opening match against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The late change comes after the 23-year-old pulled out of media duties following Sunday’s training session in Kansas City and subsequent scans revealed he could not continue in the tournament.
Livramento ruled out of tournament
Livramento, 23, was initially included in England’s squad and trained with his teammates at the team base in Kansas City over the weekend. The FA said the Newcastle defender sustained a problem with his calf during Sunday evening’s training, prompting medical checks on Monday. Those examinations, including imaging, confirmed he will not be able to take any further part in England’s World Cup campaign.
Chalobah added to 26-man roster
Trevoh Chalobah has been formally added to England’s 26-player list to replace Livramento, the FA announced. Arrangements are being finalised for the Chelsea defender to travel to the team’s camp in Kansas City to join preparations. The rest of the squad is due to relocate to Dallas as they continue final preparations for Wednesday’s group-stage opener against Croatia.
Medical timeline and confirmation
According to the FA statement, Livramento withdrew from scheduled media commitments on Sunday, which raised immediate concerns among staff and supporters. He underwent a medical assessment and scans on Monday that determined the extent of the calf injury and the likelihood of recovery within the tournament timeframe. The FA described the decision as a precautionary but necessary move given the recovery time required for the injury.
Logistics ahead of the Croatia opener
England’s coaching and backroom staff moved swiftly to complete the paperwork and travel plans required under tournament regulations to replace an injured player after the squad submission deadline. Chalobah’s flight to Kansas City is being arranged so he can integrate with the team ahead of the match scheduled for June 17, 2026 in Dallas. The FA has confirmed the rest of the squad will continue the planned transfer to Texas as scheduled to maintain training continuity and match preparation.
Immediate implications for the squad
The replacement alters England’s defensive options but keeps the squad size at the mandated 26 players for the tournament. Chalobah offers versatility across the back line and in defensive midfield positions, which could influence selection choices for the opening fixture. England’s coaches will now reassess matchday options and formations to account for Livramento’s absence and Chalobah’s profile.
Reactions and next steps
The FA and team medical staff have acted promptly to notify tournament organisers and process the replacement in accordance with competition rules. Livramento’s club and national team representatives are expected to oversee his rehabilitation outside the squad environment, with further updates on his condition to come as he progresses through treatment. Fans and pundits will be watching team announcements in the hours before kick-off to see how the coaching staff finalises the matchday squad.
England’s preparations have been disrupted by this unexpected change at a sensitive time, but officials emphasise that procedures for injury replacements exist precisely for such circumstances. The team now faces the task of integrating Chalobah into the group on short notice while maintaining focus on their tactical plan for the crucial opening match against Croatia on June 17, 2026.
The FA cited PA Media reporting for early details about Livramento’s withdrawal and confirmed all medical findings in its official statement, underscoring the priority given to player welfare.