World Cup 2026: Trevoh Chalobah earns late England call-up after Livramento injury

Sierra Leone-born defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to England’s 26-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The late inclusion comes after a devastating calf injury during a training session at the team’s basecamp in Kansas City forced Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento to withdraw from the tournament entirely.

Under strict FIFA tournament regulations, national teams are permitted to replace a seriously injured player up to 24 hours before their opening match, allowing Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel to swiftly activate Chalobah from the provisional standby list ahead of their Group L campaign.

Dual heritage and international Career

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Chalobah moved to England at a young age, developing through the Chelsea FC youth academy alongside his brother, Nathaniel Chalobah.

He represented England across various youth levels – including the Under-19 team that won the European Championship.

This World Cup call-up represents a monumental milestone in the versatile defender’s career, solidifying his international allegiance on the sport’s grandest stage as England prepares to kick off its tournament run against Croatia at Dallas Stadium.

Group L fixtures ahead

The squad is currently traveling to Texas to finalize preparations for their opening match on Wednesday, 17 June.

Following their high-stakes opener against Croatia, England will fly to Boston to face Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June, before wrapping up the group stage against Panama in New York/New Jersey on Saturday, 27 June.

Chalobah’s defensive versatility across the backline offers Tuchel crucial tactical cover as the team navigates a demanding schedule in pursuit of global glory.