England’s preparation for their upcoming matches has received a jolt after Chelsea captain Reece James was forced to withdraw from the national team due to injury. In his place, 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City has been handed his first senior England call-up.

What Happened to Reece James

James sustained an injury during Chelsea’s 2–1 Premier League win over Liverpool on Saturday.

After medical assessment, England confirmed he would not travel with the squad for the upcoming fixtures.

As a result, he has officially withdrawn from the England squad.

Nico O’Reilly’s England Breakthrough

Nico O’Reilly has been promoted from England’s Under-21 setup to the senior squad.

This marks his first senior international call-up.

O’Reilly has represented England at youth levels (U15 through U20).

At club level, O’Reilly has made appearances for Manchester City and recently signed a long-term contract with the club.

Upcoming Fixtures

England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley (Thursday) and then travel to Latvia for a 2026 World Cup qualifier (14 October).

Despite these changes, the squad will proceed with preparation under manager Thomas Tuchel.

Implications & Takeaways

James’ injury is a blow to England’s defensive depth and brings into focus the lack of experienced right-back options currently available.

O’Reilly’s inclusion is a significant step in his career, showing trust in youth and versatility under pressure.

For Club and Country alike, monitoring James’ recovery timeline will be critical, especially with key fixtures ahead.