Thomas Tuchel called up only one player from his former club, Chelsea, for England’s 2026 World Cup squad. It was none other than Reece James, someone he worked with during his time at Stamford Bridge and won the Champions League together. Big names like Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were overlooked.
Now, it appears that a second Chelsea player is going to get the call from Tuchel. It does not get any more last-minute than this, folks.
That late call has now arrived. Sky Sports reports that Livramento has been ruled out of the World Cup with a hamstring injury, with Trevoh Chalobah called into the England squad as his replacement.
It is a brutal blow for Livramento, but for Chalobah it is the sort of sudden tournament twist that can change the feel of a summer. One moment you are outside the final squad, the next you are packing for a World Cup under a manager who already knows what you can give him.
Tuchel set to call up Chelsea player as a last-minute England World Cup call-up
Chalobah was a regular starter for Chelsea all season. And while he is not viewed as someone who can be part of a team that challenges for titles, he was a steady performer regardless.
One could argue that Chalobah was Chelsea’s best defender last season. That does not say much though, considering how poor the Blues were at the back.
Just like James, Tuchel also worked with Chalobah during their time together at Chelsea. So, if he does indeed get the call-up, the England boss would once again be going for someone he knows and trusts.
That seems to be the theme of this England squad going into this World Cup. Let’s see if they are able to produce the results that the national team fans are hoping for.
What does this mean for Chelsea and Xabi Alonso?
Obviously, if Chalobah does end up getting the England call, it would mean that he would spend the summer away.
Xabi Alonso has the chance to build up a rapport with his squad during this pre-season. But those away at the World Cup will get a little less time to do that.
It is widely expected that Chelsea will sign a centre-back this summer and Chalobah is not in line to be starting from next season. Let’s see if that happens or not.
As for the club’s other centre-backs, there are quite a few who could be headed for the exit door. Axel Disasi is almost certain to. But names like Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are also in the mix.
