England’s preparations for the upcoming international fixtures have taken a turn after defender Reece James was ruled out through injury, prompting manager Thomas Tuchel to hand a maiden senior call-up to Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly.
The Chelsea captain sustained the injury during his side’s 2–1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday and, following medical evaluation by England’s staff, has been released from the national team camp. The Football Association confirmed the withdrawal early Monday, noting that the decision was made as a precaution to allow James to recover fully.
O’Reilly, 20, has been promoted from the under-21 squad and will join the senior team for the October internationals. This marks his first opportunity to train and potentially feature at senior level, capping off a strong start to the season with Manchester City, where he has impressed with his composure and technical range in midfield.
The young midfielder’s rapid rise continues a trend of Tuchel turning to emerging domestic talent to strengthen England’s depth. O’Reilly, who has represented England across youth levels, is seen as a creative option capable of linking midfield to attack.
James’s absence represents a setback for England, given his importance at right-back and leadership qualities. However, with depth in wide defensive areas, Tuchel is expected to adjust without major tactical upheaval. The full-back’s injury is not believed to be serious, but Chelsea and England officials will continue to monitor his recovery.
England will face upcoming fixtures during the international break, and O’Reilly could make his debut should Tuchel choose to rotate his lineup. His inclusion adds another youthful dimension to a squad already undergoing generational renewal.
The Football Association has not specified the exact nature or timeframe of James’s injury, though early indications suggest he may return in time for Chelsea’s next league outing. For O’Reilly, the unexpected opportunity represents a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
