England have been dealt a setback on the eve of their World Cup campaign after defender Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury, prompting a last-minute change to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.The Newcastle United full-back sustained the injury during a training session on Sunday. Following further examinations and a scan on Monday, medical staff confirmed that Livramento would be unable to participate any further in the competition.“A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament,” the English Football Association said in a statement.With England preparing for their opening Group-stage fixture against Croatia, Tuchel moved quickly to fill the vacant spot by calling up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. The 26-year-old is expected to join the squad at their training base in Kansas City before travelling with the team.Livramento’s inclusion in the original squad was largely due to his ability to operate on either flank. Comfortable at both right-back and left-back, he was viewed as an important utility option and a key understudy to Reece James on the right side of defence.Chalobah has primarily featured as a centre-back for Chelsea in recent years but also possesses experience at right-back, offering England another versatile defensive option heading into the tournament.England are scheduled to travel to Dallas for their World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday. Tournament regulations allow teams to make injury-related squad replacements up to 24 hours before their first match, enabling England to bring Chalobah into the squad before the deadline.
