Rico Lewis Returns to England Squad After Long International Absence
O'Reilly pulled out before Saturday's 7-0 win over Croatia and has gone back to City for more checks. The problem is described as a knock, and the medical team want to make sure it does not turn into a long layoff. Tuchel had said he would "try everything" to get the player fit for the Croatia match, but it did not work out. The England staff first chose not to bring in a replacement, but changed their minds with the Czech game coming up.
Rico Lewis has been added to the England squad ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA #NationsLeague fixture against Czechia at Wembley 💪 The full-back joins from our #YoungLions having helped Lee Carsley’s team secure qualification for the 2027 UEFA #U21EURO.
— England (@England) October 4, 2026
Lewis arrives in good spirits. He helped the Under-21s qualify for the 2027 European Championships during this international break.
It has been a long wait for the 21-year-old. He has five senior caps but has not played for England since November 2024, when he filled in at left-back in a 3-0 win over Greece. That was before Tuchel took charge.
Game time has also been scarce at City this season. Lewis has made just three appearances. He played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup against Norwich, 57 minutes against Bournemouth on the opening day of the Premier League, and 30 minutes against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
O'Reilly's time with England this break was short. He was part of the squad that lost 3-2 to Spain. He has been busy for City, though, with six appearances in all competitions as Enzo Maresca's side sit top of the Premier League with a perfect 15 points.
England are second in their Nations League group with six points. Spain lead with a perfect nine, Croatia are third on three, and the Czech Republic are bottom with none. England beat the Czechs 2-0 in Prague on September 29, with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.
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