Former Newcastle United director Mehrdad Ghodoussi was among the many to congratulate Tino Livramento on his England call-up.
Livramento was one of three Newcastle United players called up for England ahead of the 2026 World Cup, although perhaps the bigger story is the fact that Lewis Hall was left out.
Still, what’s done is done. Thomas Tuchel has made his decision and Livramento will be on the plane.
Though club form has deserted him somewhat in recent months, the full-back has broadly been excellent for Newcastle United, who have turned him into one of the Premier League’s leading defenders.
This is clearly a huge moment in Livramento’s career and Ghodoussi was proud.
Ghodoussi proud of Livramento after England World Cup selection
After the squad was confirmed on Friday morning, Livramento took to social media platform Instagram to write: “Honoured to be heading to my first major tournament for my country.”
Ghodoussi, who was still at the club when Newcastle signed Livramento from Southampton in 2023, responded with: “So happy for you and I bet dad is chuffed.”
Livramento’s stock may have dropped over the last few months, but that is equally true of most of his teammates.
The fact he has joined two other Newcastle players in the England squad is a testament to Eddie Howe’s coaching, as well as the club’s recruitment work – which was widely praised before the events of last summer.
What happens with the 23-year-old after the World Cup, however, is uncertain.
Livramento is facing an uncertain future at Newcastle heading into the summer transfer window given he has just two years left on his contract and there have so far been no updates on a potential extension.
With that in mind, perhaps a good World Cup with England would help. That should theoretically raise Livramento’s market value, potentially banking Newcastle more money if he is to leave St James’ Park after three largely successful years.
Reece James might be expected to start at right back but his injury issues could well see Livramento start on the grandest stage of them all.