Overview
- Nico O'Reilly is England's confirmed starting left-back at the 2026 World Cup and is expected to start again against Ghana in Boston following his role in the 4-2 win over Croatia.
- O'Reilly has told team-mates he sees his long-term future in midfield, saying his profile fits a box-to-box role even as he plays left-back at club and country.
- England and O'Reilly plan to neutralise clubmate Antoine Semenyo by doubling up defensively and paying extra attention to set pieces because of Semenyo's power and aerial threat.
- O'Reilly's place in the side rests on a breakout 2025–26 season for Manchester City in which he won the Premier League Young Player award and scored decisive goals in major matches.
- City transfer talk about a possible Elliot Anderson signing and uncertainty over Rodri's future leaves O'Reilly's club position and a potential midfield switch as issues to watch after the World Cup.