England's latest debutant says 'everything happens for a reason'
Nico O'Reilly said that “everything happens for a reason” after making his England debut a couple of matches before Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the next World Cup.
The Manchester City player has had a rise similar to Myles Lewis-Skelly, a natural midfielder converted to left-back at club level making his international debut after 13 Premier League starts. With Lewis-Skelly it was nine.
But Lewis-Skelly's lack of gametime at Arsenal this season – his only starts have come in cup football – cost him his place in the latest squad and with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence injured, O'Reilly was promoted from the bench to the XI at home to Serbia on Thursday.
He responded well, getting forward to good effect in the 2-0 win.
“I knew it was a big moment but I was calm, level-headed and just ready for the game,” said O'Reilly after the game.
“Everything happens for a reason and it comes at the right time. I take it game by game and day by day. I will keep working hard and keep going.
“The World Cup squad is an aim of mine. I would love to be there. I just need to keep working hard and hopefully I'll be there.”
It was also a good night for O'Reilly's club-mate Phil Foden, who impressed as a substitute for Harry Kane in his first involvement with the England squad since Tuchel's first camp as coach.
“I was happy to come on as a 'false nine'," he said of his role dropping off the front. “Maybe that will get the best out of me. Only time will tell.
“There’s quality players all over the pitch, and the pressure is on to perform well at my club. I will just keep my head down and try and earn my place.”