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It has been a challenging start to England’s 2026 World Cup campaign, even before the team under manager Thomas Tuchel has taken the field.

England are set to meet Croatia in their first Group L match on June 17 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Three Lions’ preparations have already been disrupted—first by an unusual World Cup robbery incident, and now by an unexpected injury to Tino Livramento, resulting in a controversial late squad alteration.

Tino Livramento, the Newcastle United full-back, has been forced out of the tournament due to a calf injury, creating an opening in the England squad. Many fans anticipated that fellow Newcastle youngster Lewis Hall might be called up as his replacement.

Livramento’s original selection had already raised eyebrows, as he had missed the final five matches of the Magpies’ season owing to a thigh problem. His injury troubles have now paved the way for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to step in.

Chalobah, aged 26, will join the squad but will not be available for England’s opening fixture against Croatia. The decision has sparked debate, particularly because other right-back options such as Hall and Trent Alexander-Arnold were omitted from the initial squad and could have filled the role more naturally.

Alexander-Arnold’s international career has been widely regarded as underwhelming given his immense club-level talent, and his continued absence has puzzled many supporters.

Tuchel now faces the group stage with only Reece James and Djed Spence as specialist right-backs. Livramento’s replacement by a central defender rather than another full-back has been viewed by analysts as a curious tactical choice.

Chalobah has earned just one senior international cap to date, which came in a 3-1 defeat to Senegal during a friendly in 2025. He is currently travelling to the United States to link up with the rest of the squad, including his Chelsea teammate James. Whether Tuchel’s selection proves to be strategic genius or a misjudgment remains to be seen, but the debate among fans continues to intensify online as England prepare for their World Cup opener.