O’Reilly: I’m buzzing to get England call-up | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly has spoken of the immense pride felt by him and his family after his first-ever senior international call-up for England.

The defender had replaced the injured Reece James in Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad for games against Wales on Thursday and Latvia next Tuesday.

And he said his nearest and dearest are thrilled for him as he explained how he received news of the call-up in the aftermath of our 1-0 victory over Brentford.

“I got a call from Thomas after the game and he let me know,” O’Reilly told the FA.

“First, I got a text – I had to double check it – when I was on the team bus on the way back from the game. As soon as I got off the bus, I gave him a call in my car.

“He just said that he’d love to have me in the squad, he’s been watching for quite a while, he sees I’m doing well and he’s happy I’m playing a lot of games.

“I was just buzzing. I told my friends, told my mum and let a few people know. They said they were so proud of me, to soak it all in, enjoy every moment and be myself. Then I had to go to bed!

“I arrived this morning, met everyone – everyone was so welcoming – then got changed into my kit, had a few interviews, had to take a few pictures and I’m here now.”

O’Reilly had made huge strides since joining the Academy at the age of eight.

He captained our U18s to a third successive national title in 2022/23 and ended the season by winning the Players’ Player of the Year award.

The following campaign he impressed for the Elite Development Squad after an injury setback in the first half of the campaign.

The 20-year-old was then selected for our USA pre-season Tour in 2024 and made his professional senior debut, starting in our Community Shield penalty shoot-out triumph over Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

A central midfielder by trade, he became a key option for Pep Guardiola at left-back and played 21 times in his breakthrough season.

The versatile youngster then penned a new long-term contract until 2030 this past month and the latest boost in an already flourishing career is international recognition by England.

It's fair to say O’Reilly is excited for what’s to come in the next fortnight.

“Everything has happened so fast but I’m enjoying every single minute of it,” he said.

“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.

“I wasn’t expecting it. It’s always been a goal and a dream of mine to be in the senior squad and now it’s happened.

“The seniors is the main goal and where everyone wants to be. It’s a surreal feeling.

“I just want to work hard in training and impress everyone, get to know new people and have a good time.

“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the lads and get started!”