O’Reilly earns England nod as Tuchel backs City talent amid Chelsea calm
Nico O’Reilly earned a late England call as Thomas Tuchel shapes his World Cup watchlist.
The Chelsea manager handed the City academy graduate a chance to push his case for a World Cup spot.
Amid headlines about Foden and Bellingham, there was quieter talk about O’Reilly’s inclusion in the squad.
Myles Lewis-Skelly paid the price for his lack of game time, and O’Reilly’s call offers him a new path.
The City defender nicked the ball off his man regularly and advanced with purpose, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Nevertheless, if Pep Guardiola trusts him in the biggest games and he stays fit, the City academy graduate could make England’s open right back slot his own.
O’Reilly’s tenacity has become clear in recent weeks, and his performance against Salah showed he can handle elite pace.
From the press row, the moment feels like a reminder that England’s pipeline still works, even when Chelsea’s own form wobbles.
Chelsea observers will watch closely as Tuchel weighs him against a deep pool of options in the squad.
The week ahead in camp will determine whether he can translate training notes into senior caps.
TLDR
- Nico O’Reilly earns England call and could push for a World Cup berth.
- The City academy grad impressed by winning balls and moving the ball forward against top opposition.
- Chelsea will monitor his progress as England map out defensive options in a crowded summer schedule.
Nico O’Reilly
Manchester City