Former England captain Wayne Rooney has questioned Thomas Tuchel’s decision to call up Trevoh Chalobah instead of Luke Shaw after Tino Livramento was ruled out through injury ahead of England’s opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England is scheduled to face Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Wednesday evening local time, with Tuchel forced into a late defensive adjustment after Livramento suffered a calf injury that sidelined the Newcastle United full-back before the tournament opener.
To fill the vacancy, Tuchel summoned Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is expected to join England’s training base in Kansas City. However, because of the timing of his arrival, British media reports indicate the 26-year-old is unlikely to feature against Croatia.
The decision prompted Rooney to question why Tuchel overlooked Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, who enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign and offers experience at the international level. Rooney also suggested that Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence could have provided additional depth alongside Reece James.
“It is a little strange,” Rooney said, according to Metro. “I actually wanted to see Luke Shaw play, and then maybe Djed Spence could provide cover for Reece James while Luke Shaw comes into the squad.”
Rooney, however, acknowledged that Tuchel likely based his decision on player availability and fitness ahead of the World Cup opener.
“I’m sure Thomas Tuchel has stayed in contact with the players to make sure they’re available, and I’m sure Chalobah was one of those who was ready,” Rooney said.
Chalobah arrives after another busy season with Chelsea, making 47 appearances for the London club as it finished 10th in the Premier League during the 2025-26 campaign. His versatility, with the ability to operate as both a central defender and a right-back, may have influenced Tuchel’s decision as England seeks defensive flexibility throughout the tournament.
Rooney nevertheless argued that Shaw had done enough to earn another opportunity with the national team after producing one of the strongest seasons of his career. The Manchester United defender started every Premier League match for his club during the 2025-26 season, making 38 league appearances while becoming one of the team’s most consistent performers.
“In my opinion, Luke Shaw is the player who has improved the most this season,” Rooney said. “I know he’s an experienced player now, but I think the level of his performances this year has been much higher than in previous seasons.”
Rooney also addressed the development of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, dismissing suggestions that the youngster had enjoyed the biggest improvement among the club’s players.
“People might point to Kobbie Mainoo, but I don’t think he has improved,” Rooney said. “He simply wasn’t playing under the previous manager, so that’s neither a positive nor a negative.”
England enters the World Cup as one of the tournament favorites under Tuchel, with the German coach aiming to guide the Three Lions to their first World Cup title since 1966. The late injury to Livramento, however, has forced England into an unexpected squad adjustment before a challenging opening fixture against Croatia.
Whether Chalobah eventually features during the group stage remains to be seen, but Rooney’s comments have added another layer of scrutiny to Tuchel’s selection decisions as England begins its World Cup campaign.
