Thomas Tuchel explains picking Trevoh Chalobah over Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of England and Croatia clash

Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to call up Trevoh Chalobah after Tino Livramento's World Cup was cut short by injury, while continuing to overlook Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold.England were dealt a significant setback ahead of their opening Group L clash with Croatia after Livramento suffered a calf problem in training.The Newcastle defender is understood to have sustained a low-grade tear and is expected to return home after scans confirmed he would be unable to play any further part in the tournament.Although the injury is not thought to be serious and could sideline him for only a matter of weeks, England have deemed the recovery period too lengthy for Livramento to remain with the squad in North America. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The 23-year-old will now return to Newcastle to continue his rehabilitation ahead of the new Premier League season.Tuchel has reacted by drafting in Chelsea defender Chalobah, who was not part of his original 26-man squad.The move has raised eyebrows given Chalobah is predominantly a centre-back, while Alexander-Arnold remains absent despite being fit and available.The Real Madrid defender was one of the biggest omissions when Tuchel named his squad and the England manager's latest decision means Reece James remains the only recognised right-back among his options.However, Tuchel believes Chalobah's arrival offers him greater flexibility across the defensive unit.We called Trevoh Chalobah because we then free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides and Djed Spence can be a full-back on both sides, Tuchel explained.Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four.The German admitted Livramento's withdrawal was a painful moment for both the player and his team-mates.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Lionel Messi gives emotional speech after making World Cup history in Argentina win over AlgeriaBBC axes legendary Wimbledon pundit from lead commentary coverageHarry Kane and other England players tricked into signing document ahead of Croatia World Cup clashTino was of course very disappointed and very sad. All of us were, Tuchel said.It was kind of a shock in training and when he stopped training and he had the feeling that this could be an injury that costs him the tournament and he was unfortunately right.Livramento had been expected to begin England's campaign on the substitutes' bench behind James, but Tuchel has repeatedly highlighted the importance of having players capable of influencing matches late on.With temperatures soaring throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada, squad depth could prove crucial over the coming weeks.Tuchel believes mandatory hydration breaks and the demanding conditions may reduce the number of sprints players make during games, though he insists England will not abandon their high-energy approach.I'm just not ready to adapt into a different style of football because of circumstances that we cannot influence, he said.I think we would just give up our strengths.The England boss is hoping his side can impose themselves against Croatia despite the challenges posed by the North American climate.England's opener takes place inside the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium, which Tuchel believes should help his players maintain the intensity he has demanded since taking charge in January 2025.For Chalobah, meanwhile, the late call-up represents an unexpected opportunity.The 26-year-old has impressed for Chelsea in recent seasons and will now have the chance to stake his claim on football's biggest stage as England pursue a first World Cup triumph since 1966.Yet questions are likely to persist over Alexander-Arnold's omission, especially if Tuchel's side encounter difficulties on the right-hand side of defence during the tournament. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter