For years, the England national team has wrestled with one persistent problem: who actually owns that left back position? It’s been a revolving door of names and experiments, with no one truly able to claim it as theirs. But with the rise of Tino Livramento—and a little help from some big names behind the scenes—it’s starting to look like a solution might finally be in sight.
A Long List of Makeshift Solutions
If you look back over recent England matches, it’s clear how unsettled the left back spot has been.
Just before the defeat to Senegal, the position had seen a mix of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Reece James, Rico Lewis, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Luke Shaw, and even Kieran Trippier taking turns—some out of position, some short on form, and others just plugging a gap.
And let’s not forget more unconventional choices.
Kyle Walker popped up on the left briefly during Euro 2024, while Eberechi Eze was thrown into the role against Switzerland.
There were even suggestions to push Bukayo Saka there.
Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace got a look in back in 2022, but hasn’t featured since.
Tuchel’s Challenge and Livramento’s Response
That chaotic backdrop explains why Thomas Tuchel, now involved in England discussions, had a frank one-on-one with Tino Livramento.
Instead of promoting him to the senior squad just yet, Tuchel asked him to lead by example with the Under-21s this summer.
It wasn’t a snub—it was a message: “The left back spot is there for the taking.”
Livramento took the challenge with grace. “I see it as a privilege,” he said.
“This is my first tournament for England at any age level because I’ve always missed them through injury. So, this means a lot.”
Stealing the Show in Slovakia
And he’s already making waves. In the Under-21s’ opening game against the Czech Republic, Livramento was clearly a level above many of his teammates—his performance stood out, not just in quality but in maturity.
Assistant coach Ashley Cole, widely considered England’s best-ever left back, has been personally mentoring him.
“You can see how much information he absorbs,” Cole said.
“He wants to be the best and he’s got the personality to get there. I really believe he’s got a bright future.”
The Ashley Cole Seal of Approval
Though Cole jokes that his own playing days are firmly behind him (“My ankle’s gone—I was probably the worst player out there when I joined in last week”), he’s fully invested in shaping the next generation.
“I’m trying to give them little nuggets of experience,” he said.
And with Livramento, the mentorship seems to be hitting home.
Not Just a Right Back Anymore
Livramento may only have one senior England cap to his name—earned at right back against Ireland—but there’s a growing belief that his future in the national team might actually lie on the left.
Former teammate Theo Walcott certainly thinks so.
“I like him on the left,” Walcott told Mail Sport. “He reminds me of a right-footed Gareth Bale in the way he runs.
He’s not just talented—he could be a future England captain.
This tournament could bring something out of him we haven’t seen yet.”
Quiet Leadership That Commands Respect
Livramento has already stepped up, joining the leadership group at the Under-21s alongside Charlie Cresswell, Harvey Elliott, and captain James McAtee.
He’s not loud or flashy, but people around him are clearly taking notice of his influence.
“He’s kept going,” said coach Lee Carsley. “It’s his first tournament, and we believe that these kinds of experiences build future senior players.
That’s got to be his goal—and he’s definitely capable of reaching it.”
A Puzzle Piece Falling into Place
With a legendary mentor in Ashley Cole, guidance from Tuchel, and encouragement from both teammates and coaches, Tino Livramento looks more and more like the missing piece to England’s long-standing left back problem.
The journey is just beginning, but the signs are there—finally, after years of uncertainty, England might have found their man.