Thomas Tuchel calls up Rico Lewis As O’Reilly replacement

Thomas Tuchel has added Manchester City right‑back Rico Lewis to the England senior squad as a late replacement for injured Premier League star Nico O’Reilly ahead of the clash with the Czech Republic. The 21‑year‑old has been promoted from the U21s and will travel with the Three Lions.

Injury to Nico O’Reilly

Nico O’Reilly was ruled out after sustaining an injury that forced him to miss Manchester City’s 2‑0 win away to Czechia earlier in the week. He has since returned to Manchester City but cannot join the national team for the upcoming fixture. The Three Lions therefore turned to his club teammate for cover.

Rico Lewis, who has already earned five senior caps, was elevated from the England U21s where he featured in a 4‑2 victory over Kazakhstan and a 0‑0 draw with Slovakia during the break. His senior debut came in November 2023 during a 1‑1 Euro 2024 qualifying draw with North Macedonia, and he added four more appearances under interim manager Lee Carsley before November 2024.

Lewis is primarily a right‑back but can also operate on the opposite flank or in midfield, offering tactical flexibility. In recent Nations League action, Tuchel selected Lewis Hall at left‑back for a 7‑0 win over Croatia, with Myles Lewis‑Skelly replacing him in the 79th minute of that victory. At right‑back, Jarell Quansah started while Trent‑Alexander Arnold remained on the bench.

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Lewis’s readiness for the final match

Tuchel has opted to bring a new face ahead of England’s fourth and final match of the international break, confirming that no further replacements are planned. The inclusion of Lewis gives the squad additional depth as they prepare to face the Czech Republic.

A Getty photograph captured Lewis receiving his England kit at the training ground, underscoring the rapid transition from club to country. His Premier League experience with Manchester City is expected to aid his integration.

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With the squad now complete, Lewis joins the senior group for the upcoming encounter, ready to contribute if called upon.