O'Reilly: Making my England debut was a dream come true! | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly said making his England debut was the realisation of a lifelong dream both for him and his proud family.

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The Academy graduate added his name to the illustrious list of City players to have represented their country when he started Thursday night’s 2-0 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Serbia at Wembley.

O’Reilly played for the full 90 minutes at left back and enjoyed a hugely impressive England debut, helping set up Bukayo Saka’s opening goal and making his mark in both a defensive and offensive capacity.

His proud family were present at Wembley to watch Nico’s Three Lions bow. And reflecting on the occasion, O’Reilly said it was a moment they would all never forget.

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“I’m over the moon. It was a very special night making my debut,” Nico reflected.

“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.”

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The 20-year-old, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since breaking into the City first team squad last season, revealed that he had found out he would be starting earlier in the day.

City colleague John Stones also started alongside O’Reilly while fellow Etihad team mate Phil Foden came on as a substitute.

After the game, Stones presented Nico with his maiden England cap in the Wembley dressing room and congratulated his colleague on becoming the 1,296th player to wear the shirt.

O’Reilly meanwhile thanked his colleagues along with manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff for the opportunity

And rather than being nervous or over-awed at the prospect of a maiden senior Three Lions appearance, O’Reilly said it was a moment to savour.

“[I found out] earlier on in the day. We had a meeting and the squad was announced, and I was in the team,” O’Reilly added speaking to BBC 5 Live.

“I was calm, and I was excited. Big, big moment. I was calm, level-headed and just ready for the game.

“Everything happens for a reason, and it comes at the right time. I am just happy!

“I take it game by game and day by day. Keep working hard and keep going.”

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With England having already secured a place in next summer’s World Cup finals, the attention for Thomas Tuchel’s players in the remaining games between now and next summer is focused on honing preparations for the showpiece.

For his part, O’Reilly said he would work as hard as possible in a bid to try and be part of the squad that travels to the tournament which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“It is an aim of mine. I would love to be there,” O’Reilly added.

“[I] Just [need to][ keep working hard and hopefully I’ll be there.”