England's New Hope: Nico O’Riley Called Up as Reece James Sidelined
6 October 2025
Update: James Out, O’Riley Called Up
Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, has left Reece James out of the Three Lions squad, replacing him with the promising Nico O’Riley, who has yet to represent the senior national team.
The decision followed an injury James sustained during Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.
According to The Mirror, the 25-year-old James will miss England's friendly against Wales at Wembley on Thursday and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Tuesday. The match could mark O’Riley's England debut.
Nico O’Riley, a rising star at Manchester City, had been initially named in England Under-21s under Lee Carsley, after representing his country through every youth level since under-15.
O’Riley featured for City against Brentford on Sunday, a 1-0 victory, after breaking into the first team last season under Pep Guardiola.
Last month the left-back signed a new five-year deal with City. Guardiola praised the move, saying: "After Rico Lewis, now Nico O’Riley, Savinho is close too, and we want him with us, so we pushed to keep him longer. I’m very happy with how much he’s developing." He added: "Since he joined us, we have lost only one game—the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. He has improved in aggression, at set-pieces, and with the ball, and we’re very happy with him."
As for James, the injury is believed to be a leg issue. He played the full match and helped Chelsea to victory, later revealing the injury on social media.
The setback compounds Chelsea’s defensive concerns, as the team went into the match without four centre-backs and two more pulled up injured during the game, though it was later described as precautionary.
Assistant coach Willy Caballero, speaking after Maresca was dismissed for celebrations following the late 96th-minute goal, said: "The defenders were rested as a precaution. They gave a great shift today, and they’re fine."
James rose through Chelsea's academy, establishing himself as one of the world's top right-backs thanks to his pace, technique, and leadership. He progressed through all youth levels, including a notable loan spell at Wigan Athletic in 2018-19, where he played 46 games and scored three goals, earning the club's Player of the Year award. The experience opened the door to a first-team return in 2019 under Frank Lampard.
Since then, James has been regarded as a premier right-back, balancing defensive solidity with attacking threat, precise crosses, and leadership. He helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2020-21 against Manchester City and contributed to their UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.
Internationally, James has represented England across age groups and earned his senior debut in 2020 under Gareth Southgate. Despite recurring injuries hampering some campaigns, he remains a core member of the Three Lions with versatility across defence.
Off the field, James is known for his humility and charitable work, founding a foundation to support children and youth in London, and taking part in initiatives to fight poverty and hunger. Chelsea fans regard him as a symbol of the club's values, a product of its academy who has reached the highest levels in domestic and European football.
Punchlines: If football injuries had a catalog, Reece James would have premium pages. Also, England’s depth chart just upgraded from a bicycle to a motorcycle — with a spare helmet for good measure.
