Manchester City star dreaming of World Cup call after five-star National Team debut | OneFootball

Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly described making his England debut as a lifelong dream for him and his proud family.

O’Reilly played for the full 90 minutes at left-back against Serbia for Thomas Tuchel’s side and strengthened the likelihood of him securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a scintillating performance. 

The City Football Academy graduate added his name to the endless list of Manchester City stars to have represented their country and helped set up the opening goal of the night, which was scored by Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. 

To make the occasions more wholesome, O’Reilly’s family were in attendance at Wembley to watch the Three Lions overcome their counterparts in a 2-0 win as Tuchel’s men maintained a 100% record in the World Cup qualifiers.

“I’m over the moon. It was a very special night making my debut,” O’Reilly said after making his full England debut, as quoted by Manchester City’s official channels.

“It was a dream come true for me and my family. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get here. 

“My mum, stepdad, sister, for them to watch me play here at Wembley is a crazy feeling.”

The 20-year-old has turned into a regular starter for Pep Guardiola at City amid an unremitting rise in both potential and talent, undoubtedly deserving his call-up to the senior England National Team last Friday.

After the game, O’Reilly was presented with his maiden England cap in the dressing room and was congratulated on becoming the 1,296th player to wear the coveted shirt by his club teammate John Stones. 

Joined by Stones and Phil Foden, who featured for 25 minutes off the bench, O’Reilly thanked his colleagues along with Tuchel before admitting that he will work as hard as possible to make the plane next summer.

“It is an aim of mine. I would love to be there. (I) just (need to) keep working hard and hopefully I’ll be there,” O’Reilly added.

O’Reilly has made 14 appearances in all competitions for City this season, scoring once and assisting three times to mark his intention to become a first-team regular under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium in his first full season in the Manchester City senior ranks.