Nico O’Reilly hints at England position change after living up to his reputation

Nico O'Reilly admits he loves his reputation as a big game player.

O’Reilly was Manchester City ’s two-goal match-winning hero in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley three months ago. The City full-back made a habit of thriving on the big occasion and that is why he is relishing the chance to do so again in the World Cup.

He made his debut against Croatia last Wednesday and is ready to face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday as England look to book their place in the knock-out stage.

It could have been an intimidating occasion for a young player but the 21-year-old looked full of confidence and is determined to enjoy every moment this summer.

O’Reilly said: “Yeah, I love a big occasion, I think it brings more out of me when I am stepping up to the bigger stages and I like playing under pressure. I feel like I thrive off it and just enjoy it

“Just taking the game and playing free, really, playing with a smile on my face and enjoying the experience.

“Yeah it did feel amazing. At the start of the game we were all a bit on the same page and a bit slow to start and personally I think we grew into the game very well and I think we have to take that into the next game.”

O’Reilly has been one of the best stories of last season because he helped City win a domestic cup Double and also nailed down his England place.

There can be no doubt that he goes into this World Cup as first choice left back. Longer term, he still regards himself as a midfielder which is the position he grew up playing. But even at left back, he still steps into midfield.

O’Reilly said: “I think in the future I will be back in midfield, my profile, everything fits there and maybe a box to box midfielder but left-back I have been enjoying it and it has got me here now to a World Cup.

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“Playing at left-back I have been playing in the middle for most of it anyway so it’s not like I am playing as a traditional left-back, even in England, I am still coming inside and allowed to drift in and drift out wide so it is a bit more relaxed.”

England did look shaky at the start in their first game with Croatia but O’Reilly says that was only to be expected and now they are ready to find their feet.

O’Reilly said: “I think, obviously, it was the first game of the tournament, everyone was a bit shaky, and it was bound to happen.

“Maybe people were scared to misplace a pass or make a mistake. But yeah, I think after that chat, we all got together, we started playing freely and it opened up for us.

“I think when we started to pin them in and play our football it was a lot more enjoyable. They couldn’t get out, we were getting shots off and corner after corner. It felt like they couldn’t breathe.”

O’Reilly says he has a strong support network around him - including his mum - and his family have been over in the States to support him.

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“It is massive, very important. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have my support and that right behind me, going in the right direction, giving me advice. Yeah, very important,” he said.

“The hardest thing is avoiding the outside noise, it can be a lot for young people but there is a lot of support there but people help me and guide me in the right way.

“I have really enjoyed it. The training facility is great and we are downtown where we can just wander and relax and I have been enjoying it.”

O’Reilly has an array of tattoos up his arm, including one of the 0161 Manchester dialling code. He is a very proud Mancunian who grew up in the north east of the city.

He also has a tattoo on his right hand which reads “No Risk, No Story.” That talks to a player ready to put everything on the line for the World Cup.

“For me personally, I just like to risk. I think if you don't risk and you don't take the chance, then you never know what's gonna happen,” said O’Reilly who says he is already thinking about his next tattoo - especially if England go all the way.

He added: “Maybe a World Cup one. It’s a dream to play at a World Cup. If we win it’ll be something that sticks with me forever.”

The nation is holding its breath as England take on next rival Ghana in the World Cup 2026, and we've got a FREE £3 bet inside your favourite paper on Tuesday June 23, 2026 valid on all football - including the big match!