Tuchel calls up Chalobah over Alexander-Arnold after Livramento ruled out of World Cup

Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup through injury, England confirmed on the eve of their opening Group Stage fixture against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel moved quickly to name a replacement, calling up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah — and pointedly bypassing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The decision has drawn immediate scrutiny. Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid this summer, is a three-time Champions League finalist, a two-time Premier League winner, and the defender who has created more goals in Premier League history than any other. He has featured in both the FIFPro World XI and the Champions League’s team of the season, yet Tuchel has consistently left him out of his England squads. The Chalobah call-up means Alexander-Arnold appears to sit no higher than seventh in the manager’s right-back pecking order.

Livramento’s absence is a significant blow for Tuchel, who had included the Newcastle defender as part of his plans for the tournament. No timeline has been given for the injury.

Elsewhere at the World Cup, Iran opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a politically charged fixture. Anti-regime protests took place ahead of kick-off and the Iranian national anthem was booed inside the stadium. Iran’s Mohammad Mohebbi scored in the 64th minute to rescue a point, but his goal celebration — which appeared to include a ‘finger gun’ gesture — sparked controversy. Mohebbi addressed the reaction after the match: “The celebration came to mind, and I do this for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.”

England face Croatia on Wednesday in their first game of the 2026 World Cup, with Tuchel having stated his ambition of winning the tournament and adding a second star to the England shirt. It will be his first competitive match in charge since being appointed 18 months ago.