Nico O'reilly Says England World Cup Place Is a Dream Come True

Nico O'Reilly is in England’s World Cup squad for the opening Group L match against Croatia, and the Manchester City youngster called it a dream come true. He is expected to start at left-back on Wednesday night, with his rise from club breakthrough to international selection now carrying into the 2026 World Cup.

Nico O’Reilly and Croatia

O’Reilly put the feeling plainly ahead of England’s opener. “It’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid and for it to come true now, obviously I’m still young, I can’t wait to get started.”

That selection puts him in Thomas Tuchel’s plans from the start of the tournament, with England opening against Croatia in Group L. The role points to immediate responsibility for a player who can handle left-back and also step into midfield when required.

Pep Guardiola’s rise

The reason O’Reilly has moved so quickly is the scale of his 2025-26 season for Manchester City. He made 53 appearances in all competitions, scored 9 goals and added 6 assists, a return that marked him out as much more than a depth option.

His form was also tied to City’s results in knockout football. He scored a brace in the 2-0 win over Arsenal in last season’s Carabao Cup final, and his play was crucial to Manchester City’s wins in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season.

That climb matters now because England are not easing him in. O’Reilly earned his first England cap last season, and he has gone from a breakthrough club season to a spot where he is expected to start at left-back in a World Cup opener. For Tuchel, that gives England a young option with production, a recent cap and a position fit that could shape the first game against Croatia.