England head coach Thomas Tuchel has handed Nico O’Reilly his first call up to the senior team after Reece James pulled out of the squad with an injury.
O’Reilly, 20, had been included in the under-21 squad but will now link up with the seniors for a friendly against Wales at Wembley and a World Cup qualifier in Latvia.
The City youngster has been in fine form for Pep Guardiola’s side at the start of this season and has started their last four Premier League matches. He has previously represented England from U15 to U20 level.
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has been called up to England’s squad for games against Wales and Latvia. James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
An England statement released on Monday said that Chelsea captain James picked up an injury during the west London club’s dramatic Premier League victory over Liverpool on Saturday and has been ruled out “following medical assessments.”
UEFA Group K
GPPTSGD1 – England515+132 – Albania58+23 – Serbia47-14 – Latvia54-45 – Andorra50-101 qualifies / 2 in playoffs
James played the full 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge, covering for the injured Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile at centre-back in the second half.
O’Reilly himself played from start to finish at left-back in City’s 1-0 win over Brentford on Sunday, having assisted Erling Haaland in the 2-2 draw with Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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He has thrived under Pep Guardiola since the Spaniard opted to play O’Reilly on the left side of defence in a 2-0 win over Leicester last April.
O’Reilly now has 30 appearances for City, scoring five goals and assisting three times, having also played at centre-back, in the heart of midfield and also as a centre forward, such is his flexibility.
He will compete with Djed Spence, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s team.
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