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Nico O’Reilly Earns First England Cap After Man City Left-Back Breakthrough

Pep Guardiola’s repurposing of the 20-year-old from midfield to left-back propelled him into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

Overview

  • The 20-year-old started at left-back in England’s 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley, completing 41 of 44 passes and helping create the move for Bukayo Saka’s opener.
  • John Stones presented O’Reilly with his first Three Lions cap in the dressing room after full time.
  • Tuchel praised his intelligence and adaptability, while O’Reilly called the debut a dream and said making the 2026 World Cup squad is his aim.
  • Converted from a box-to-box midfielder last season, he has become Manchester City’s first-choice left-back with 10 Premier League appearances, one goal and two assists.
  • His rise has limited opportunities for £31m signing Rayan Ait‑Nouri, and pundit Jamie O’Hara says O’Reilly looks perfect for England’s left-back role.