O'Reilly replaces injured James in England squad

Manchester City defender Nico O'Reilly has received his first call up to the England squad following the withdrawal of Reece James.

Right-back James picked up an injury playing for Chelsea in their Premier League win against Liverpool on Saturday.

He posted a picture on Instagram of a gash on his shin following the game and has been ruled out "following medical assessments".

O'Reilly steps up from England Under-21s for the games against Wales on Thursday, 9 October and Latvia on Tuesday, 14 October.

The 20-year-old predominantly plays left-back for City, leaving Djed Spence as the only recognised right-back in England boss Thomas Tuchel's squad.

O'Reilly, who has been with City since he was eight, made 21 appearances and scored five goals for the Manchester club last season as he broke into their first team.

He was part of manager Pep Guardiola's squad at the Club World Cup in the summer and has made nine outings for City this season.

Analysis - Call-up reward for City performances

O'Reilly's call-up is a reward for his performances with City.

The left-back has been converted from a number 10 by Pep Guardiola and started seven of City's games this season.

Tuchel has spoken about how he values the physicality of the Premier League and players who are powerful runners - attributes that O'Reilly possesses.

At well over 6ft O'Reilly joins a physically imposing England squad and his ability to play across different positions will be of use to Tuchel if he makes the final squad for the World Cup.

O'Reilly has played for England from under 15s up to under-20s - he was called up for the under-21s in September but had to withdraw because of injury.

The 20-year-old still considers himself a midfielder but the fact he has been called up in place of Reece James suggests he is going to be utilised in his new position.

The withdrawal of James does leave England short of options at right-back with Spence the only natural player for that position, and he was actually called up as a left-back in September.

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