Tuchel snubs Alexander-Arnold for Chalobah after Livramento's World Cup injury exit

Thomas Tuchel has called Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah into England’s 26-man World Cup squad after Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento was ruled out with a calf injury sustained in training on Sunday, with the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday fast approaching.

Livramento underwent a scan and medical assessment on Monday that confirmed he could play no further part in the tournament. FIFA regulations permit teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture, and the FA moved quickly to confirm Chalobah’s call-up, with arrangements made for him to travel to the squad’s basecamp in Kansas City.

The injury had briefly raised the prospect of a late reprieve for Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Real Madrid defender who has been consistently overlooked by Tuchel. That did not materialise, and two reasons have since emerged to explain why. FA officials were reportedly unable to establish Alexander-Arnold’s whereabouts, raising doubts over whether he could reach the United States in time. Beyond logistics, Tuchel has maintained a firm policy of excluding high-profile players who cannot be guaranteed meaningful minutes — a bracket into which Alexander-Arnold falls.

The decision leaves the former Liverpool right-back on 34 international caps, just one of which has come under Tuchel’s management. The England head coach addressed Alexander-Arnold’s absence earlier this year, acknowledging his quality while standing by the players who had earned their place in the squad.

“I know very well what Trent can offer us,” Tuchel said. “I played many times against him and suffered when he played against my teams with Liverpool. So I know very well about his strength and what he can give. But at the moment it is like we have evidence how good we were in September, October, November, and the players who are in camp for right full-back, they have to push for their ticket, they have to compete, they have to show again that they deserve this.”

Chalobah, primarily a centre-back, provides Tuchel with defensive cover as England prepare for what promises to be a demanding group stage.