England star ‘ruled out of World Cup’ on day before opener with Thomas Tuchel set to name last-minute replacement

England defender Tino Livramento is reportedly set to be ruled out of the World Cup.

It is understood the Newcastle defender has suffered an injury, which is expected to see him withdraw from the squad one day before the opener against Croatia – live on talkSPORT.

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The Daily Telegraph reports that Chelsea’s one-cap defender Trevoh Chalobah is among the options being considered to replace him.

Livramento was selected to provide cover at right-back or left-back, with Tuchel expected to start with Nico O’Reilly and Reece James in the full-back positions.

talkSPORT understands the England manager is still debating whether or not to start Bukayo Saka on the right amid concerns over his fitness.

Reacting to the news immediately on Hawksbee and Jacobs, former Toon boss Steve Bruce said: “It’s absolute devastation to the kid. Unfortunately he’s picked up a few injuries this year.

“I presume something has happened in training. It’s football, these things happen. You can jump for a ball and twist your ankle or turn your knee.

“It’s devastating for him and for England. He’s one of our only recognised right-backs.”

Livramento was picked by Tuchel despite a very injury-hit season for Newcastle.

The Magpies played in four competitions, but Livramento missed 36 of those.

The 23-year-old only played 17 times in the Premier League for Newcastle with Kieran Trippier and Lewis Miley having to fill in for Livramento, who struggled with hamstring and knee injuries.

Tuchel loses a valuable component

Despite his injury woes, Livramento returned to training in time to be selected for the World Cup squad.

He can play as a left or right-back, and that versatility as well as his speed and one-on-one defending made him a valuable option.

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