Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Nico O'Reilly England selection hopes have surged after a remarkable season at Manchester City, with the 21-year-old now in line to start at left-back for Thomas Tuchel at the FIFA World Cup.
The Manchester City academy product was still waiting for his senior debut in 2024, but a rapid rise through Pep Guardiola’s side has turned him from an attacking midfielder into one of England’s most unusual World Cup options.
For more World Cup coverage, read 2026 World Cup Offers United States Another Chance To Grow Soccer Audience.
O'Reilly’s City Breakthrough Changes His Path
O'Reilly worked privately with technical skills coach Dean Brathwaite before becoming a first-team regular, with Guardiola first using him at left-back before an FA Cup tie against Salford City.
“It was a bit of a surprise,” O'Reilly recalled. “I think it was just one session [at left-back] before the Salford game, [Guardiola] said, ‘right, you're playing there tomorrow’."
O'Reilly scored in that 8-0 win and later became a key part of Manchester City’s cup runs, including a Carabao Cup final brace against Arsenal.
Official FIFA World Cup news and fixtures can be followed through the FIFA website.
Tuchel Gets A Different Type Of Full-Back
O'Reilly’s appeal is clear because he defends with size and strength but attacks like a midfielder arriving late into the box.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said O'Reilly’s background as a No.10 makes him far more dangerous than a normal inverted full-back.
"He's been given the freedom to go from left-back into midfield and I think, in the early stages of the competition, you'll see him doing more of that if he's selected," former England captain Alan Shearer said.
"And I think he will be selected. He's had a brilliant season, he's been outstanding.
"He was one of Man City's best players, and when you consider the list of players in that team and what they've achieved, it tells you how well he's done. What a way to cap it off it would be, to go out and play most, if not all the games for England in this tournament and stand out as well. It wouldn't surprise me. I think he's that good."