Thomas Tuchel has made his latest brave decision as England manager, calling up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to the World Cup squad.
Trevoh Chalobah was one of Chelsea‘s more resilient players during the 2025/26 season, establishing himself as one half of the Blues’ backline. The academy graduate made 47 appearances across all competitions and chipped in with three Premier League goals.
On the international stage, Chalobah’s journey with England highlights a steady rise. A mainstay through the youth ranks from the under-16s to the under-21s, he earned his first senior cap under Thomas Tuchel in June 2025 against Senegal, joining his brother Nathaniel as a senior international.
His reliability for club and country has now earned him a dramatic, last-minute call-up to England’s 2026 World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Tino Livramento.
Starting to think England have called up the wrong player?🤔
England fans react to the Trevoh Chalobah call-up
In what was a shock to many, Chalobah, a centre-back, has been chosen to replace Tino Livramento, a full-back, which has raised many questions with the England fans.
One England fan had this to say – ‘A centre back called up when Lewis hall is right there what does Thomas Tuchel watch?’
Another England fan pointed out the full-back situation – ‘Tuchel replacing one of like 3 fullbacks in the squad with another centre back.‘
This England fan suggested some bias from Tuchel – ‘Let’s replace a right-back with a bang average centre–back. Honest Tuchel just picks players because of who they play for.’
Trent Alexander-Arnold even got defended by this England fan – ‘Tuchel really hates trent doesn’t he, so instead of replacing Livramento with another full-back he brings another centre-back in instead.’
Why shouldn’t Alvaro Carreras replace Marc Cucurella? He looks ideal!
The Real Madrid star is one left-back Chelsea are thought to be considering after Cucurella's exit 💭
Thomas Tuchel’s previous comment on Trevoh Chalobah
Interestingly, ahead of the England squad being announced for the 2026 World Cup, Thomas Tuchel shared why he prefers Chalobah over Harry Maguire.
“I see Trevoh Chalobah, on the level of mobility, as slightly ahead of him [Maguire].”
So, perhaps another reason for Chalobah being called up is his mobility, having played in midfield and at full-back before, but it still doesn’t make sense when you’ve got Lewis Hall waiting in the wings.
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