Chelsea’s injury troubles deepened as Reece James injury forced the defender out of England’s October fixtures against Wales and Latvia. The right-back picked up a shin injury during Chelsea’s Premier League win over Liverpool and later posted a photo of the nasty wound on Instagram. Following medical tests, James was ruled out of action, paving the way for Nico O’Reilly to make his senior England debut.
Young Defender Gets First Senior Opportunity
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has earned a surprise call-up to the senior England squad after James’ withdrawal. The 20-year-old is now set to feature in England’s upcoming matches on Thursday and October 14.
O’Reilly may have only started 10 Premier League games, but his consistent performances under Pep Guardiola have impressed enough to earn a senior spot. A natural left-back, he joins a backline lacking right-sided options, with Djed Spence the only specialist right-back in the squad.
The Manchester-born defender enjoyed a breakout season last year with 21 appearances and five goals. He was part of the squad at the Club World Cup and has played nine games already this season. O’Reilly, who still views himself as a midfielder, has represented England across all youth levels and recently extended his contract with City until 2030.
Tuchel Wants Power and Intensity in England’s Play
England manager Thomas Tuchel has long emphasised the need for strength and intensity to match the Premier League’s physical style.
At a press conference earlier this year, he said: “The Premier League is a very physically demanding league, is a very direct league, and I think we should be brave enough to play like an England squad and should not try to copy other nations’ styles too much. I think it should reflect the values of the country and of the strongest league in the world, which is the Premier League. I think we need to increase the rhythm and intensity of our game compared to our last matches.”
James had been brought back into the national setup to provide those qualities, but this injury is yet another hurdle in a career repeatedly interrupted by fitness setbacks, including hamstring, ankle, and knee problems since 2019.
Chelsea Facing Defensive Shortage
James’ latest absence further adds to Chelsea’s defensive concerns. Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile were both forced off in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Meanwhile Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Levi Colwill remain unavailable.
Despite these setbacks, England are still in control of their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, topping their group with five wins from five. Latvia, meanwhile, are fourth with four points.
England Squad to Face Wales and Latvia
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford
Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins
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