Troy Deeney has launched a scathing critique of England left-back Nico O'Reilly, claiming the 21-year-old has been 'getting away with murder' during the World Cup. The former Watford striker argued that O'Reilly, who has started five of England's six matches this summer, has only been 'okay' and that his performances have escaped the scrutiny directed at other underperforming players.
O'Reilly's World Cup Journey
O'Reilly, primarily a midfielder for Manchester City, has established himself as England's first-choice left-back under manager Thomas Tuchel. He has played every minute of the tournament except for a substitute appearance against Ghana in the group stage. Deeney, speaking on talkSPORT, compared O'Reilly's displays to those of Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, who has been criticised for underwhelming performances.
'By the way, he's [O'Reilly] been getting away with murder,' Deeney said. 'Because he's been playing just as good as Madueke. I don't think Madueke has had a bad game. He's just been in the middle. I'm just saying, the level of what you look for in an attacking player is much different to what you look for in a defensive player. Nico O'Reilly hasn't been great. He's been okay. For a player of his talent, and a player of his ability, okay shouldn't be good enough.'
Semi-Final Selection Dilemma
With England set to face Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta, Deeney urged Tuchel to consider alternative options at left-back to counter Lionel Messi. He suggested Tottenham's Djed Spence as a better fit for the task. 'It's just coming up against Messi, because that's what he's going to come in on the left side,' Deeney explained. 'I would probably have to go Djed Spence just to match him. And say to Djed Spence, "Just follow him. If he goes inside, go inside."'
There were initial concerns over O'Reilly's fitness ahead of the semi-final, but reports now indicate he is expected to be available to start. Declan Rice, who only played the first half of the quarter-final win over Norway due to illness, is also thought to be fit enough to feature. Reece James returned from a hamstring problem as a substitute in that match and may be risked from the start against Argentina, with Jarell Quansah still suspended. Spence also offers an option at right-back if James is not deemed ready to start.
