England star Tino Livramento ruled out of World Cup with major injury

England have suffered a major setback ahead of their World Cup opener after defender Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament with injury. The Newcastle United full-back has been withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad just one day before England’s opening group-stage match after suffering a muscle injury described as a low-grade tear.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as Livramento’s replacement. FIFA regulations allow teams to replace injured players up to 24 hours before their first group match, provided the injury is considered significant.

Livramento, 23, had been a regular part of England’s plans in 2026, featuring in all but one of the national team’s matches this year. His versatility, having played on both the right and left sides of defence for club and country, made him a valuable option for Tuchel. Chalobah, 26, has only one senior England appearance to his name, coming in a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June 2025. He was also included in England squads later that year but did not feature.

The Chelsea defender offers similar flexibility, having played at right-back and in midfield during different stages of his career. Livramento’s latest setback adds to a history of injury problems. The defender missed 36 matches during the 2025-26 season with thigh, knee and hamstring issues and was unavailable for the final five games of the campaign.

With Livramento ruled out, Reece James is expected to start at right-back for England, while Nico O’Reilly is reportedly favoured for the left-back position. Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence remain available as versatile defensive options for Tuchel.

England begin their World Cup campaign amid hopes of ending their long wait for major tournament success, but will now have to do so without one of their key defensive squad members.