Tino Livramento has paid warm tribute to his positional rival Reece James, describing the Chelsea captain as an “unbelievable” player, even as the two enter a direct contest for England’s right-back berth at this summer’s World Cup.
The fight for the right-back role
That battle is currently on hold, with James sidelined by a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of this month’s England camp. The issue is the tenth separate hamstring problem James has suffered since December 2020, a history which has led to fears it could jeopardise his participation in the tournament itself. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has voiced frustration, stating a hamstring injury is “never a good sign,” casting a shadow despite the player recently signing a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is understood to still consider James his first-choice option, fitness permitting. However, Newcastle United’s Livramento is firmly among those hoping to stake a claim. “To some extent, there is more edge [in this month’s games], because everyone wants to play [at the World Cup],” Livramento acknowledged.
The competition extends beyond the pair. The expanded 35-man squad for March friendlies was designed by Tuchel to assess options, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Djed Spence, Ben White, and Kyle Walker all in contention. Notably, former England right-back Viv Anderson has suggested discarding Alexander-Arnold from World Cup plans, favouring James and Livramento instead.
Livramento, however, dismissed a single-minded focus on displacing James. “Not necessarily,” he said. “Reece is an unbelievable player and I hope he comes back as soon as possible.” His focus, instead, is on personal performance: “It’s nice to get called up but it’s even better to be on the pitch. I’ve had to wait numerous times in the past for my opportunity. All I’m focused on is that chance to impress.”
Livramento’s England audition
That chance came with a full 90-minute outing in England’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay. Reflecting on the match, the 23-year-old said he was pleased with both the collective and individual display. “It was positive on the main. Coming into the game we had limited time together. We were very happy with the stuff we managed to do against a good opponent. We should have won the game, but stuff happens. I’m happy with the way that I played.”
The match also saw the return of Ben White after a three-year international absence, a cameo marked by a mixed reception from some fans, a goal, and a conceded penalty. Tuchel acknowledged the situation, urging White to “take it on the chin.”
Livramento’s senior debut came in November 2024 against the Republic of Ireland, capping a steady rise through the England youth ranks. He represented his nation from U15 to U21 level and was part of the U21 squad that won the European Championship in 2025.
His club journey saw him develop at Chelsea’s academy, where he was named Academy Player of the Year in 2020-21, before seeking first-team football with a move to Southampton in 2021. A transfer to Newcastle United followed in August 2023, where he has since made a significant impact, featuring in the Champions League, scoring his first goal for the club in March 2024, and playing in the Magpies’ 2025 EFL Cup final victory.
The current Premier League season underscores the tight nature of the selection debate. Various right-back rankings for the 2025-26 campaign place Jurrien Timber of Arsenal at the top, with Reece James often featured in the leading pack. In one such assessment, James is ranked fourth, with Tino Livramento positioned fifth, illustrating the fine margins at play as Tuchel faces one of his most significant World Cup decisions.
