Reece James withdraws from England squad

…Man City’s O’Reilly gets first call-up

Reece James has been withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the national team’s games against Wales and Latvia.

The Chelsea captain was the club’s only representative in Thomas Tuchel’s squad this month but will now miss both fixtures scheduled for Thursday and next Tuesday.

James, who has 21 international caps, has played nine times for Chelsea this season, including Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.

He has been replaced by Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly, who earns his first senior England call-up.

Manchester City confirmed the development in a statement after James dropped out of the squad.

James sustained an injury during the match against Liverpool. His absence adds to Chelsea’s list of unavailable defenders, with manager Enzo Maresca already facing multiple fitness concerns.

Manchester City announced, “Nico O’Reilly has received a maiden call-up into the senior England squad for this month’s internationals against Wales and Latvia.

“It’s a first-ever senior international call-up for O’Reilly, who moves across from the Under-21s squad and who has been capped from Under-15 to Under-20 level with England.

“It also helps further cement what has been a quite magnificent start to the season for the 20-year-old.

“Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Nico on his call-up.”

O’Reilly has made nine appearances in all competitions this season, with City unbeaten in those matches.

The 20-year-old, who has represented England across all youth levels, will now join senior teammates James Trafford and John Stones in the national camp.

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