Nico O’Reilly Earns First England Call-Up After Reece James Withdraws Through Injury

Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly has received his first senior England call-up following the withdrawal of Reece James due to injury.

The Chelsea captain, who had established himself as part of Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice line-up, will miss the October international fixtures against Wales and Latvia.

O’Reilly, aged 20, has been promoted from the England Under-21 squad and could make his senior debut during the upcoming international break.

The call-up marks a remarkable rise for the midfielder, who recently signed a new five-year contract to remain with his boyhood club, Manchester City.

England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a selection dilemma at full-back, with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tino Livramento also sidelined through injury. Despite the shortage, Tuchel has opted not to recall experienced defenders Kyle Walker or Luke Shaw.

Instead, Djed Spence and Myles Lewis-Skelly are the only recognised full-backs in the current squad, although Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, and John Stones are all capable of operating in those positions if required.