Man City Starlet Nico O’Reilly Answers England’s Prayers In Timely Pre-World Cup Display

One England star may have solved one of the Three Lions’ longest-standing problems.

Thomas Tuchel’s side earned a 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday night to extend their stunning seven-match winning run in World Cup Qualifying Group K. Qualification for next summer’s tournament has already been wrapped up with Tuchel now formulating a plan to try and win the thing for the first time since 1966.

If the Three Lions are to go on and win the World Cup, they’ll need to make sure that every area of the team is fit for purpose and that means having players playing in their natural positions. Thankfully, in Nico O’Reilly, England now have a left-sided defender who is fit for purpose.

Nico O’Reilly Fills A Massive Hole For England

The 20-year-old’s England debut was certainly deserved after an incredible start to the season for Manchester City. Usually a midfielder, O’Reilly has made his mark as an attack-minded left-back under Pep Guardiola with his pace and fierce delivery being a massive weapon for the title challengers. For Tuchel, this could be a major positive. Left-back has been a problem position for several years now with England lacking genuine quality in this position. Luke Shaw held the role for a while, before Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker were regularly drafted in as makeshift left-backs thanks to the increased depth on the right side of defence.

In the present day, we’ve seen numerous options being used, including Tino Livramento or Djed Spence being used on the left despite their right-sided preference. Of course, Lewis Hall can play there as a more natural fit, as can Dan Burn when England are looking for a solid performer with a central defender’s profile.

In O’Reilly, England have someone who can offer the width, pace and delivery needed to be a true left wing-back, while also having time on his side. At the age of just 20 and experience of playing for Man City and England in the Premier League, Champions League and World Cup qualifiers, the Three Lions have a player who could nail down the position for the next 10 or 15 years.

What Nico O’Reilly Said After England Debut

O’Reilly spoke to GIVEMESPORT following his England debut against Serbia and spoke of his delight at making his bow.

He said: “It means so much, it was a dream come true tonight. All of my family were all watching me at Wembley make my England debut – it’s a crazy feeling.

“He (Thomas Tuchel) told me earlier on in the meeting when he named the team. I was really excited. I just tried to play my game, I’m surrounded by world-class players so that made it really easy. I wasn’t conscious [of a step up], I was just ready to go.”

Asked whether he thinks he can break into England’s plans, O’Reilly said: “It’s an aim for me to try and get to the World Cup. There’s huge competition. I’ve got to keep working hard, day-by-day, game-by-game – we will see.

“Sometimes it’s good to reflect and be proud of yourself. I’m proud tonight. I’ve achieved a lot at a young age, but I can’t let that get to my head. I have to stay focused and keep concentrated.”

What Thomas Tuchel Said About Nico O’Reilly

England boss Tuchel also sang the praises of the Manchester City youngster. Speaking after the game, he said: “Nico had a fantastic debut today.

“He’s a very calm person, seems to be very shy, and doesn’t speak out a lot. But he is very intelligent on the pitch and has adapted well to all the new things we demand from him. It’s only possible if you feel good within a group and this is developing.”