Chalobah Receives Late England Call for World Cup

Trevoh Chalobah has been drafted into England’s 2026 World Cup squad after a calf injury ruled out a former Chelsea Academy defender on the eve of the tournament.

The change comes under FIFA rules that allow nations to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening game. England have moved quickly, turning to a defender they already know well.

Chalobah, 26, has just one senior cap – a friendly appearance against Senegal almost exactly a year ago – but his club form and versatility have kept him on the radar. Now he steps into the biggest tournament of all.

He joins Chelsea teammate Reece James in the squad, adding another familiar face to the defensive unit as England put the final touches to their preparations for their first Group L assignment.

That opener comes against Croatia at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday 17 June, with kick-off at 9pm (UK). It is a fixture loaded with history and tension, and now it doubles as a chance for Chalobah to force his way into the picture on the grandest stage.

England then face Ghana in Boston a week later, on Tuesday 23 June, again at 9pm (UK). By then, the late call-up might already feel like part of the plan rather than a last-minute adjustment.