Nico O’Reilly Replaces Reece James in England Squad — Man City Fans Reckon Thomas Tuchel Has Upgraded

Nico O’Reilly could make his senior England debut later this month after receiving his first call-up as a replacement for Reece James.

The 20-year-old Manchester City starlet was promoted from the under-21s squad on Monday morning after the Chelsea captain withdrew through injury, despite playing the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.

O’Reilly started his career as an attack-minded midfielder but has largely been deployed at left-back under Pep Guardiola. All nine of his appearances for City so far this season have come in that position.

He is one of four players capable of playing left-back in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for upcoming games against Wales and Latvia — but two of the other three options, Dan Burn and Djed Spence, are naturally right-footed.

Therefore, this could be a genuine opportunity for O’Reilly to establish himself as first-choice understudy to Myles Lewis-Skelly if he impresses Tuchel over the coming days.

Nico O’Reilly earns first England call-up

England confirmed O’Reilly’s inclusion with a short statement on Monday morning.

It read: “Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has received his first call up to the England senior squad. The 20-year-old moves across from the MU21s squad and comes into contention for the Three Lions’ forthcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.”

The statement added that his selection “follows the withdrawal of Reece James”, who was ruled out “after sustaining an injury playing for his club over the weekend.”

Chelsea also acknowledged the situation on social media, saying simply: “Reece James has withdrawn from October’s England squad.”

Why did Reece James pull out of the England squad?

Shortly after Saturday’s game, James posted an image of a stitched gash on his leg to Instagram — believed to be the injury that has forced him out.

James, 25, has been capped 21 times by the Three Lions since 2020 but has now missed five international camps due to various fitness setbacks.

Man City fans claim Nico O’Reilly is an upgrade on Reece James

Manchester City supporters were quick to react online to news of O’Reilly’s first senior international call-up — and many were delighted.

One fan said it was a “big opportunity for Nico” and backed him to take it.

Another claimed that “England are not losing any game with that guy at left-back.”

Some went further, with one post describing him as “the best English left-back,” while another added: “There is no better left-back at the moment.”

Direct comparisons were made too. “Nico O’Reilly is greater than Lewis Skelly,” read one comment.

Others were simply pleased to see him recognised. “Finally they recognise him,” wrote one City fan.

A particularly confident supporter even declared: “With Nico at left-back, trust me, it’s finally coming home this time.”

Updated England squad after Nico O’Reilly replaced Reece James

Goalkeepers: Henderson, Pickford, Trafford

Defenders: Burn, Guehi, O’Reilly, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly, Quansah, Spence, Stones

Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs-White, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Rice, Rogers

Forwards: Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Rashford, Saka, Watkins