Nico O'Reilly has embraced his reputation as a big-game player, a status cemented by his two-goal performance for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final three months ago. Now, the 21-year-old full-back is set to showcase that same composure on the global stage as England prepare to face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, aiming to book their place in the World Cup knockout stage.
Confidence on the Big Stage
O'Reilly made his England debut against Croatia last Wednesday and is eager to replicate his club form. He said: 'Yeah, I love a big occasion, I think it brings more out of me when I am stepping up to the bigger stages and I like playing under pressure. I feel like I thrive off it and just enjoy it.'
Despite the potential intimidation of a World Cup debut, O'Reilly appeared full of confidence. 'Just taking the game and playing free, really, playing with a smile on my face and enjoying the experience,' he added.
From Midfielder to First-Choice Left-Back
O'Reilly has quickly become Thomas Tuchel's first-choice left-back for England, a role he initially filled for Manchester City. However, he still considers himself a midfielder long-term. 'I think in the future I will be back in midfield, my profile, everything fits there and maybe a box to box midfielder but left-back I have been enjoying it and it has got me here now to a World Cup,' he explained.
His modern interpretation of the position involves drifting into midfield, a tactic he also employs for England. 'Playing at left-back I have been playing in the middle for most of it anyway so it's not like I am playing as a traditional left-back, even in England, I am still coming inside and allowed to drift in and drift out wide so it is a bit more relaxed,' O'Reilly noted.
Shaky Start, Strong Finish Against Croatia
England's World Cup opener against Croatia saw a shaky start, but O'Reilly believes that was natural for a tournament opener. 'I think, obviously, it was the first game of the tournament, everyone was a bit shaky, and it was bound to happen. Maybe people were scared to misplace a pass or make a mistake. But yeah, I think after that chat, we all got together, we started playing freely and it opened up for us,' he said.
The team's improvement was evident: 'I think when we started to pin them in and play our football it was a lot more enjoyable. They couldn't get out, we were getting shots off and corner after corner. It felt like they couldn't breathe.'
Support Network and Tattoo Philosophy
O'Reilly credits his strong support network, including his mother, for his success. 'It is massive, very important. I wouldn't be here if I didn't have my support and that right behind me, going in the right direction, giving me advice. Yeah, very important,' he said. He also highlighted the challenge of ignoring external noise: 'The hardest thing is avoiding the outside noise, it can be a lot for young people but there is a lot of support there but people help me and guide me in the right way.'
The proud Mancunian sports a tattoo of the 0161 dialling code on his arm and another on his right hand reading 'No Risk, No Story.' He explained: 'For me personally, I just like to risk. I think if you don't risk and you don't take the chance, then you never know what's gonna happen.' O'Reilly is already contemplating his next tattoo, especially if England wins the World Cup: 'Maybe a World Cup one. It's a dream to play at a World Cup. If we win it'll be something that sticks with me forever.'
