Manchester City’s rising star Nico O’Reilly has been handed a landmark moment in his burgeoning career with his first senior call-up to the England national team. The 20-year-old midfielder, who has already progressed through the youth age groups, steps into the spotlight following the withdrawal of Chelsea’s Reece James due to injury.
O’Reilly’s promotion comes ahead of England’s upcoming fixtures: a friendly against Wales at Wembley and a crucial World Cup qualifier in Latvia. The decision by England manager Thomas Tuchel to elevate him to the senior squad underscores the faith placed in his versatility and form during the early weeks of the 2025–26 season.
Reece James sustained the injury while playing for Chelsea in their 2-1 win over Liverpool, and subsequent medical assessments ruled him out of the international break. O’Reilly, who had been named to the England Under-21 squad prior to James’s withdrawal, now finds himself in the senior setup on a rapid trajectory.
The England Football Association confirmed that O’Reilly has been part of the England youth system from Under-15 up to Under-20 level. Manchester City also highlighted that this step up is the first time he has been included in the senior ranks. In issuing his call-up, Tuchel maintains continuity from the previous England camp and has opted to preserve the core group around which he is building.
O’Reilly’s club, Manchester City, expressed pride and congratulations. In their announcement, the club noted his nine appearances across all competitions this season and cited his signing of a new long-term contract as a marker of his growing importance.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Nico on his call-up,” the club declared. The timing of his contract extension—taking him through to 2030—also signals City’s commitment to his development.
His pathway through City’s academy has been well documented, and his rise into senior contention is aided by his versatility. Though by trade O’Reilly is a midfielder, he has been deployed this season in a left-back role under Pep Guardiola.
He has also seen time in midfield and central defensive positions in youth and reserve sides, displaying an ability to adapt to different tactical requirements. His physical presence—standing at 1.93 metres—adds to the appeal of his inclusion across multiple positions.
Speaking about the call-up, O’Reilly expressed gratitude and acknowledged the significance of the moment. “It’s an honour,” he said. “I’ve worked hard and had a lot of support from the people around me, so getting the chance to represent England at senior level is something really special.” While he has not yet earned a senior cap, the opportunity now lies before him.
In discussing squad selection, manager Thomas Tuchel defended his choice to stick with the main group from the prior camp. He emphasised that cohesion and continuity would be central to his approach and insisted that performance remains the ultimate avenue back into the squad for those omitted.
Gven injuries to full-backs including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tino Livramento, as well as the retirement of Kieran Trippier, England is facing a thinning of options in those areas. In that context, O’Reilly’s flexibility becomes all the more valuable.
For O’Reilly, the moment is a watershed. A product of Manchester City’s academy who first donned England’s youth shirt at Under-15 level, his progression to the senior team confirms his place among the most closely watched young prospects in English football.