Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly has expressed his delight after receiving his first senior England national team call-up, describing the moment as one of the biggest achievements of his life, Softfootball reports.
The 20-year-old defender, who has impressed under Pep Guardiola this season, was named into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad to replace Reece James, who withdrew due to injury. O’Reilly was initially named in England’s U21 squad, but his rapid development earned him the senior nod.
Speaking with the FA media via the team’s official website after arriving at St. George’s Park, as England make preparations to face neighbours Wales on thursday, the player said;
Everything has happened so fast but I’m enjoying every single minute of it. It’s a crazy feeling. I’m so happy to be here. It’s definitely one of the biggest moments in my career and in my life being here.
The Manchester-born talent, who has made nine appearances for City this season, revealed that he learned of his call-up shortly after Manchester City’s 1–0 win over Brentford on Sunday ,he said;
I got a call from Thomas [Tuchel] last night after the game and he let me know. He’s been watching for quite a while and said he’s happy I’m playing a lot of games.
O’Reilly admitted he was in disbelief when he first got the news, he said with excitement;
I received a text on the team bus — I had to double-check it. When I got off, I called him straight away. I was buzzing. I told my mum and my close friends. They were so proud of me and told me to soak it all in and enjoy the moment.
England football via its official X handle, earlier confirmed Nico O’Reilly arrival to the England training camp at St george’s park where the team will make it final preparations as they are set to take on Wales in a friendly fixture before traveling to face Latvia next week tuesday at the ongoing FIFA world cup qualifiers, see post below;
Softfootball understands that upon reporting for duty, O’Reilly linked up with his club teammates John Stones and James Trafford, who were among the first to congratulate him.
Everyone has been so welcoming. I got into my kit, did a few interviews, took some pictures, and I’m here now. It feels amazing.
Having represented England across all youth levels, O’Reilly’s rise to the senior team feels like a natural progression, he noted;
I’ve done every age group. I missed the U19s due to injury and was supposed to join the U21s last month, but I got injured again. That’s why this means so much.
I just want to work hard in training, impress everyone, and get to know new people. It’s a dream come true to be here — and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the lads and get started.
O’Reilly has been on Tuchel’s radar for several months, with the England boss impressed by his calmness in possession and defensive maturity beyond his years. The young defender is now looking to seize this moment as the start of a bright international career.
