‘Go and show the world what you can do’: Advice to O’Reilly ahead of England debut | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly’s biggest supporter, his mum Holli, gave him some of the most important advice he’ll ever receive in his career in the hours before his international debut.

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The 20-year-old has had an incredible start to the 2025/26 campaign.

He’s been trusted as a regular starter by Pep Guardiola, and his hard work also saw him put pen to paper in a new contract that will see him stay at the Club until 2030.

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And, after receiving his second international camp call-up earlier this month, Thursday 13 November marked another landmark moment for O’Reilly.

On the day of England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia, Thomas Tuchel revealed the starting line-up in the Three Lions’ penultimate group game.

And there, in the left-back position, was Nico O’Reilly’s name.

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But the versatile Blue played it cool, telling his Mum he would be representing his nation for the first time, and took her advice into the game.

“It was just the morning of the game [when I found out I’d be playing],” began O’Reilly.

“It was nothing new, like he [Thomas Tuchel] didn’t pull me to the side and have words, it was just how it usually is.

“He put the team sheet on the screen with jobs for everyone to do, and from then I was ready to go and just carried on my routine throughout the day.

“As soon as I found out, I let my family know I was starting a couple of hours in advance.

“My Mum told me to just go and show the world what I can do. Go express myself, be strong, be fast, and it will all be good.

“She had a great night. She was watching [in the stands], supporting me. I then got to see her for about 45 minutes after the game, which was nice.”

O’Reilly took centre stage at Wembley, a place that he has become familiar with.

He made his senior City debut there back in 2024, helping Pep Guardiola’s side beat Manchester United on penalties to win his first senior trophy, the Community Shield.

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And just over 12 months later, O’Reilly played the entirety of England’s 2-0 triumph over Serbia as Tuchel’s side went on to win every World Cup qualifying game without conceding, a new and equally fantastic achievement for our local lad.

“In terms of what Thomas asked of me in the game, it was similar in a way [to City]. He wanted me to get forward and use my power to run through,” said O’Reilly.

“And then defensively, it was a back four, similar to how we play here [at City].

“I think my favourite moment from the night was celebrating the goals with the team.

“It was just a great night overall. I’m proud, my family is proud, and Pep and everyone at the Club congratulated me.”

After the game, O’Reilly had a brief amount of time to process his latest accolade to date in the England changing room, because then he was being handed his first senior cap by fellow City star John Stones.

And now, a week on, he reflected on the moment with energy to strive for more.

“It was special,” said O’Reilly with a smile.

“I’ve seen them videos [of people receiving their caps] and I always wanted one of the caps with my number on it.

“And for John to give it to me as well was special because I see him here every day. I didn’t expect him to do it, but it was such a nice feeling.

“I’m going to get the cap framed. I’ve not done it yet, but I will get it framed. I got to keep the shirt I wore in the game, and then I got another one signed by everyone.

“I feel like I’ve shown that it’s about taking your chance when give it,” O’Reilly continued.

“Looking back on it, especially like the Bournemouth game, and even when I was away with England, just putting on good, solid performances, I think that’s so important.

“And I feel like it’s just the start. I know there’s so much more I can achieve and accomplish and the stuff I’ve already achieved so far is crazy, things some players don’t get in their whole lifetime.

“I just want more and more.”