Nico O’Reilly Earns First England Call-Up After Reece James Injury Withdrawal
Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly has secured his maiden senior England call-up following Reece James’s withdrawal due to injury. The 20-year-old steps up from the Under-21s for upcoming matches against Wales on Thursday, 9 October, and Latvia on Tuesday, 14 October. This promotion highlights O’Reilly’s rapid rise and provides versatility to England manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad, where Djed Spence remains the sole recognised right-back.
James sustained the injury during Chelsea’s Premier League victory over Liverpool on Saturday. The right-back shared an Instagram image of a gash on his shin post-match and has been ruled out after medical assessments. His absence leaves England short at right-back, with Spence originally called up as a left-back option in September. O’Reilly, primarily deployed at left-back for City, adds depth across positions in a physically imposing squad.
O’Reilly joined Manchester City at age eight and broke into the first team last season, making 21 appearances and scoring five goals. He featured in Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad over the summer and has logged nine outings this season. A boyhood City fan born in Manchester, O’Reilly signed a new five-year contract on 26 September 2025, extending his stay until 2030. His debut senior goal came on 11 January 2025, in an 8-0 FA Cup win against Salford City.
O’Reilly’s Transformation Under Guardiola
O’Reilly’s call-up rewards his standout performances for City. Converted from a number 10 to left-back by Guardiola, he has started seven games this season, including a full 90 minutes in City’s 1-0 win over Brentford on Sunday. He assisted Erling Haaland in a 2-2 Champions League draw with Monaco midweek. At over 6ft, O’Reilly embodies the physicality and powerful running Tuchel values in Premier League players, making him a potential asset for the World Cup squad.
Though O’Reilly views himself as a midfielder, his deployment suggests Tuchel will utilise him in defensive roles. He represented England from Under-15 to Under-20 levels and was selected for the Under-21s in September but withdrew due to injury. His versatility could prove crucial, especially with limited full-back options like Spence, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and adaptable players such as Dan Burn or John Stones.
Impressive Stats and Defensive Prowess
O’Reilly’s first Premier League start arrived in April, yet he has quickly become integral. He has played 648 minutes across competitions this season, ranking fourth among City players. Defensively, he leads teammates in tackles per 90 minutes, while excelling in possession won, blocks, and interceptions. Starting at right-back in the opening win against Wolves, he has since anchored left-back in six starts.
O’Reilly averages 78 touches per game, surpassed by only four City players this campaign. Despite no goals yet this season, he netted five from January in the prior term, showcasing his attacking threat from wide areas. Guardiola praised his aggression, set-piece danger, and contributions, noting City’s unbeaten run since his integration bar one FA Cup final loss.
This debut international opportunity caps O’Reilly’s breakthrough year. As England prepares for pivotal fixtures that could clinch World Cup qualification, his energy and adaptability bolster Tuchel’s options amid James’s setback.
