Key Takeaways:
- Nico O’Reilly has been called up to the England senior squad for the first time following Reece James’ injury sustained on Saturday during Chelsea’s win over Liverpool
- The 20-year-old left-back, who played 21 times and scored five goals for Manchester City last season, steps up from the Under-21s for fixtures against Wales on 9 October and Latvia on 14 October
- O’Reilly, originally a midfielder and now a versatile defender, joins a squad with only Djed Spence as a recognised right-back under manager Thomas Tuchel
O’Reilly Receives Senior England Selection
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has been handed his inaugural call-up to the England national squad following the withdrawal of Reece James due to injury. The Chelsea right-back sustained a gash to his shin during the Premier League victory over Liverpool on Saturday. After sharing an image of his injury on Instagram, James was declared unfit for selection, having undergone medical assessments.
O’Reilly, who has made notable contributions for England at youth level, joins the senior side for the upcoming matches against Wales on Thursday, 9 October and Latvia on Tuesday, 14 October. The 20-year-old primarily plays as a left-back at Manchester City and fills the void left by James, with Djed Spence remaining as the only established right-back in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Nico O'Reilly ✅ Reece James ❌
The Man City defender has received his first call-up to the England senior squad, with James pulling out due to injury 🤕 pic.twitter.com/r9k1P79ZPf
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 6, 2025
Club Achievements and International Experience
O’Reilly has progressed through the Manchester City academy since joining at the age of eight. Last season, he broke into the first team, making 21 appearances and scoring five goals for the Manchester side. He also travelled with Pep Guardiola’s squad to the Club World Cup during the summer and has featured nine times for City so far this term.
Internationally, O’Reilly has represented England at numerous age groups, from under-15s to under-20s. He was previously selected for the Under-21s in September but was forced to withdraw with an injury at that time.
Analysis: Versatility and Physical Presence Boost England Squad
O’Reilly’s elevation to the senior squad reflects his strong form for Manchester City, particularly since being converted from an attacking midfielder to a left-back under Pep Guardiola. He has started seven matches for City this season, demonstrating the adaptability and physicality prized by England manager Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel has previously expressed appreciation for players who display both athleticism and robust running ability – traits that O’Reilly exemplifies.
Standing well over six feet tall, O’Reilly adds further physical presence to the England line-up. His capability to operate across several positions could prove advantageous, especially as England face a shortage of natural right-backs, with Spence being the only specialist available. O’Reilly, who still sees himself primarily as a midfielder, is set to be deployed in his new defensive role, as indicated by his selection in place of James.
