O'Reilly exits England squad injured before Croatia and Czech Republic games
Nico O'Reilly has left the England squad with an injury and will miss the final two Nations League fixtures, with no replacement planned.
Nico O'Reilly has withdrawn from the England squad because of injury and will miss the team's final two Nations League matches of the international break. The left-back has returned to Manchester City for further assessment, ruling him out of Saturday's trip to Croatia and the following Tuesday's home fixture against the Czech Republic.
O'Reilly had played the full match under manager Thomas Tuchel in England's 3-2 defeat by Spain, but he was absent for Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic. England have decided against calling up a replacement for the remaining games.
In O'Reilly's absence against the Czech Republic, Lewis Hall came into the side at left-back. The Newcastle United defender linked effectively with former club team-mate Anthony Gordon down England's left flank, offering Tuchel a ready-made alternative in that position.
England go into the closing Nations League fixtures with their left-back options reduced but with Hall having shown he can fill the role. The team faces a demanding finish to the break, travelling to Croatia before hosting the Czechs in quick succession.
Supporters have reacted to the news with a mix of concern about the defensive depth and confidence in Hall's performance, while acknowledging that losing a player to injury during a congested international window is a familiar risk. England's medical staff and City will now assess O'Reilly's condition before determining his availability at club level.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
