Deeney says O'Reilly is 'getting away with murder' ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina

Troy Deeney has publicly challenged Thomas Tuchel to drop Nico O’Reilly for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, arguing the Manchester City full-back has been “getting away with murder” while Noni Madueke absorbs the bulk of criticism over England’s recent defensive frailties.

England’s backline has been breached in each of their last three matches, yet scrutiny has largely fallen on Madueke’s inconsistent performances on the wing rather than on O’Reilly, who has been Tuchel’s first-choice left-back throughout the tournament. Deeney, speaking on talkSPORT, said the disparity in criticism is unjustified.

“By the way, he’s been getting away with murder,” Deeney said of O’Reilly. “Because he’s been playing just as bad as Madueke. It’s just coming up against Messi, because that’s what he’s going to come in on the England left side. 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’.”

The stakes could hardly be higher. England are chasing a place in their first World Cup final since 1966, and Argentina arrive with Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez as their primary attacking threats — a combination that will test any defence in the tournament.

O’Reilly, who broke into the England setup after a strong club season at Manchester City that included two goals in their Carabao Cup final win, has made no secret of his excitement at the prospect of facing Messi. The full-back told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I can’t wait. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He’s coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he’s the best player to ever touch a football pitch.”

He echoed those sentiments in a separate talkSPORT interview, adding: “I know there’s a bit of history there, and I know they’re going to be fired up for it. So I think we just match their energy, match their passion, and go even harder. But yeah, of course, they have some great players. They’ve got Messi — in my opinion, he’s been the best player in world football. I can’t wait to play against him.”

England’s defensive unit has been forced into constant reshuffling across the tournament due to injuries and suspensions, and Tuchel now faces a selection call that could define the tie. Whether O’Reilly keeps his place or Spence comes in to shadow Messi, the left flank is set to be the most scrutinised corridor on the pitch when the two sides meet.