Tino Livramento’s gratitude to interim boss Lee Carsley extends well beyond giving him his first England call-up, such was the interim manager’s support during the talented right-back’s long injury lay-off.
The 21-year-old Newcastle defender was one of four uncapped players to get the nod as the England Under-21s boss gets the post-Gareth Southgate era under way against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League.
Livramento has long been tipped for a call-up but had to overcome a major setback to reach this point, with a serious injury cutting short his breakthrough season at Southampton, having left Chelsea in 2021.
It took 392 days for the full-back to return from his anterior cruciate ligament injury and he only made one further substitute appearance for Saints before leaving for Newcastle last summer.
Livramento has kicked on after a promising first season at St James’ Park and now gets a first chance with England’s senior team in the first matches under Carsley, who he played for at under-21s level.
Asked if he had an inkling he might be in this squad, the full-back said: “No, I didn’t know anything.
“Obviously with Lee getting called up to be the seniors’ manager, I’ve seen it as a good opportunity for me because obviously, I knew him.
“But I think it’s down to you as a player with how you play every weekend for your club. I think that’s the main thing. I feel like I’ve started this season alright, so this is a good opportunity for me.”
Livramento will never forget the call from Carsley on the way to training last Thursday, nor his support during his frustrating injury absence.
“He’s obviously a great coach but as a person, he’s someone that’s kind of been there for me,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He had similar injuries and stuff like that, so when I was going through that part of my career, he helped me out a lot.
“You know, keeping me in the loop, still texting me, asking how I am. It’s hard to come by some someone like that in football, I guess.
“You know, someone that’s going to be there for you and help you out when you’re in your tough moments.”
The slow, steady return to fitness saw him ruled him out of last summer’s Under-21 Euros triumph under Carsley, who is beginning a new chapter after Southgate called time on his England reign.
Kieran Trippier, a stalwart during those eight years, followed up last Thursday by announcing his international retirement, just hours before Newcastle team-mate Livramento’s call-up.
“He’s been an immense help for me – not just football-wise, but like helping me settle,” the 21-year-old said of the veteran.
“It’s tough when you move from probably one of the clubs that’s furthest south to one that’s furthest north, so he just helped me get settled straight away.
“Then obviously on the pitch, it’s just a different level.
“Someone that I look up to and someone that I watch every day when they’re training, trying to take parts of their game into mine.”
