Nico O’Reilly replaces injured Reece James in England squad

Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly has earned his first senior England call-up after Reece James withdrew from the squad due to injury. 

The Chelsea right-back picked up a knock during his side’s Premier League victory over Liverpool on Saturday, forcing manager Thomas Tuchel to make a late change to his plans.

O’Reilly, 20, steps up from the England Under-21s and will join the senior team ahead of upcoming fixtures against Wales on 9 October and Latvia on 14 October. 

His inclusion adds depth to the defensive ranks, particularly with Djed Spence now the only recognised right-back in Tuchel’s squad.

Although naturally a left-back, O’Reilly’s versatility has made him an important figure for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side. 

He made 21 appearances last season, scoring five goals as he broke into the first team. This term, he has already featured nine times, continuing to impress with his maturity and technical quality.

The young defender has been with City since the age of eight and was part of the squad that travelled to the Club World Cup earlier in the summer. 

His steady rise through the ranks has earned him praise within the club, and his England call-up marks another major milestone in his development.

Tuchel’s decision to reward O’Reilly’s form aligns with his recent focus on giving opportunities to in-form young players rather than automatically favouring established stars. 

The England boss is expected to test new combinations during the October fixtures as part of his long-term preparation for next year’s international tournaments.

For O’Reilly, the call-up represents a dream come true and a chance to establish himself among England’s emerging generation. 

With injuries opening the door, the Manchester City youngster will now hope to make his international debut and stake a claim for a regular place in Tuchel’s plans. England will host Wales in an international friendly on Thursday.