O'Reilly ruled out of England's remaining Nations League fixtures with injury

Nico O’Reilly has been ruled out of England’s remaining UEFA Nations League fixtures this month after returning to Manchester City for treatment, becoming the sixth player to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad during the current international window.

The 21-year-old left-back was absent for Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague and will now miss Saturday’s game against Croatia in Rijeka as well as the return fixture against Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday. England confirmed in a statement that no replacement will be called up.

“Nico O’Reilly has returned to Manchester City and will play no part in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures,” the Football Association said. “The left-back sat out the 2-0 victory against Czechia in Prague and has now returned to his club for further assessment.”

O’Reilly’s specific injury has not been disclosed, though he also missed a training session following England’s opening defeat to Spain. He joins Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tino Livramento in withdrawing from Tuchel’s original squad.

With O’Reilly sidelined, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is expected to retain his place at left-back. Hall impressed on his way to earning his fifth cap against Czechia, drawing praise from Tuchel alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank.

“Both full-backs were good,” Tuchel said. “I think the position in the second half suited Trent a little bit more than the position in the first half, and Lewis did excellent on the other side.”

England head into Saturday’s match in Rijeka looking to build on their win in Prague. Tuchel’s side had fallen behind in the Nations League standings after a 3-2 home defeat to Spain in their opening game, but second-half goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane secured three points against Czechia after the hosts were reduced to ten men.

“We stepped up in urgency, bit of quicker play and better ball speed. We deserved to win the second half,” Tuchel said. “A clean sheet is always important — it gives everyone a good feeling. Always things to improve, but overall a serious performance and a deserved win.”