News Focus
- Tino Livramento suffers calf injury and misses the 2026 World Cup
- Thomas Tuchel calls up Trevor Chalobah as the replacement defender
- Trent Alexander-Arnold remains left out of the England squad
- Jamie Carragher says the decision follows Tuchel’s defensive priorities
- Harry Maguire also misses out despite his international experience
England manager Thomas Tuchel has chosen Chelsea defender Trevor Chalobah to replace the injured Tino Livramento for the World Cup. The Newcastle full-back damaged his calf during training just before the tournament opener against Croatia.
Many fans expected Tuchel to turn to Trent Alexander-Arnold after Livramento’s injury. However, the Real Madrid right-back stayed at home. Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher says this choice did not shock him.
“We know how Thomas Tuchel feels about Trent,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “He seems to want centre-backs who can play at right-back, not natural full-backs.” Carragher believes Tuchel looks at the defensive weaknesses in Alexander-Arnold’s game instead of his creative strengths.
The pundit added that the German coach cares more about team spirit than pure talent. “He is picking players who fit his system,” Carragher explained. “Maybe those strengths shine more in a Jurgen Klopp team than under Tuchel.”
Carragher also spoke about Harry Maguire. The Manchester United captain said publicly that he felt disappointed to miss the original squad. Carragher thinks these comments may have hurt Maguire’s chance of a late call-up. “Chalobah can play at right-back in an emergency,” he said. “Maguire is a pure centre-half. Also, when players speak out like that, managers remember.”
Looking ahead to the Croatia match, Carragher shared his preferred starting eleven. He wants Jude Bellingham to play as the number ten behind Harry Kane, with Morgan Rogers on the bench. He also picked Anthony Gordon on the left wing instead of Marcus Rashford.
In defence, Carragher chose Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi as the centre-back pair. He left out John Stones due to lack of match fitness. “Konsa and Guehi have been excellent in the Premier League,” he said. “Stones has not played enough games this season.”