England's Livramento ruled out of FIFA World Cup 2026, replacement named

LONDON: Former champions England suffered an injury setback on the eve of their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign opener against Croatia as their 23-year-old defender Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the 48-team mega event.

According to England Football, Livramento suffered a calf injury during the Three Lions' training session on Sunday afternoon. The Newcastle United defender underwent scans on the subsequent day, which confirmed his inability to participate in the mega event.

As a result, the 1930 winners called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to their squad, while his participation in their campaign opener against Croatia on Wednesday was uncertain as the English football body shared that the arrangements were made for his journey to the team's base in Kansas City.

"Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England's 26-player squad at FIFA World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento," an England team statement said.

"Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team's base camp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions' opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.

"Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon.

"A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England's tournament."

It is pertinent to mention that following their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign opener, England will face Ghana in Boston on June 23 before rounding off their group-stage fixtures against Panama in New York on June 27.

England squad for FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton) and James Trafford (Manchester City).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Trevoh Chalobah (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham) and John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal) and Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa).

Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli) and Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).