Call up to the national team crowns the rapid rise of the academy graduate
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has been called up to the England senior squad for the first time following Reece James’s withdrawal through injury.
The Chelsea captain was ruled out after picking up a minor issue during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool. Although the injury is not considered serious, medical staff at Chelsea and England football agreed that the 25-year-old should not be risked, given his history of hamstring problems over the past two seasons.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has drafted in O’Reilly, who was originally named in Lee Carsley’s U-21 squad. The midfielder-turned-left-back will now join the senior team for this month’s friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
James himself had his first start for England in over two years against Latvia in March. His game time for both club and country has been limited by injuries.
O’Reilly’s call up to the England team only serves to crown the rapid rise of the Manchester City academy graduate, who has been a key figure for City this season. He has started most games at left-back for the club since summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri was sidelined through injury.
