World Cup: Blow for England as Tino Livramento’s gamble backfires

Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans have been dealt a severe blow on the eve of England’s tournament opener against Croatia. Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament after picking up a fresh hamstring injury in training at the Three Lions base, according to the Telegraph . The 23-year-old is expected to miss the entire campaign. It comes as bittersweet for the full-back, who has just fought his way back into contention after a thigh problem cut short the end of his domestic season.

Livrament’s inclusion in the final 26-man squad was initially seen as a significant tactical victory for the player, as it was boldly selected Tuchel over Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. The German manager prioritized Livrament’s defensive discipline and unique ability to cover both the right and left wings. While Chelsea’s Reece James remains England’s established first-choice right-back, Livramento were firmly set to start the opening game of the group stage, with James constantly struggling for absolute match fitness. His sudden absence leaves a gaping structural deficit in the squad.

With the opening match against Croatia looming, Tuchel needs to turn things around quickly. FIFA rules dictate that England can name a medical replacement up to 24 hours before their first match, provided the incoming player has been registered on the original provisional 55-man list.

Tuchel is highly unlikely to pull off a dramatic U-turn by recalling Alexander-Arnold, who has been completely overlooked by the international set-up this season after failing to fit into the manager’s tactical system. Instead, Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah emerged as the front-runner to be called up to the squad. Chalobah offers the versatile defensive profile Tuchel covets, with the ability to operate at right-back, on the wing or in central defence. Alternatively, Arsenal’s Ben White or Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa could be called upon to provide central cover if Tuchel decides to reshuffle his starting XI internally.

For Tuchel, the loss of Livramento is a self-inflicted headache. The decision to gamble on a player with a historically fragile fitness record backfired before a ball had even been kicked in anger.

ENGLAND SQUAD FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Tino Livramento (eliminated)

Midfielders: Starring: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze

Forward: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke

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Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

16 Jun 2026 18:14 IST