Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly has been handed his first senior England call-up after Chelsea defender Reece James was forced to withdraw through injury.
Reece James picked up a nasty shin injury during Chelsea’s Premier League win over Liverpool on Saturday. The right-back later shared a picture of the gash on Instagram, and medical tests confirmed he would not be fit to feature for England this month.
His absence has opened the door for 20-year-old O’Reilly, who steps up from the Under-21s to join Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming fixtures against Wales on October 9 and Latvia on October 14.
O’Reilly, who has been at City since the age of eight, made a breakthrough last season with 21 appearances and five goals. Originally an attacking midfielder, Pep Guardiola has successfully converted him into a versatile left-back.
He has already started seven games this season and featured nine times overall, including at the Club World Cup.
Standing well over six feet tall, O’Reilly offers the kind of physicality and powerful running that Tuchel has often praised in Premier League players.
His adaptability across positions could prove valuable for England, particularly with James sidelined and Djed Spence now the only recognised right-back in the squad.
O’Reilly has represented England at every youth level from Under-15s upwards and was due to join the Under-21s in September before injury kept him out.
Though he still sees himself as a midfielder, his selection in place of James suggests he will be tested in his defensive role at the senior level.
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