Troy Deeney has launched a scathing critique of England left-back Nico O'Reilly, claiming the Manchester City youngster has been 'getting away with murder' at the World Cup despite being only 'okay'. The former Watford striker believes O'Reilly's performances have been no better than those of Noni Madueke, who has faced more public scrutiny.
O'Reilly's Underwhelming World Cup
O'Reilly, 21, has started five of England's six matches in the tournament, with his only substitute appearance coming against Ghana in the group stage. He has established himself as Thomas Tuchel's first-choice left-back, a remarkable feat given he is naturally a midfielder and only began playing the position due to injuries at Manchester City. However, Deeney feels the youngster has not lived up to expectations.
'By the way, he's been getting away with murder,' Deeney said on talkSPORT. 'Because he's been playing just as good as Madueke. I don't think Madueke has had a bad game. He's just been in the middle. I'm just saying, the level of what you look for in an attacking player is much different to what you look for in a defensive player. Nico O'Reilly hasn't been great. He's been okay. For a player of his talent, and a player of his ability, okay shouldn't be good enough.'
Deeney Calls for Change Against Argentina
With England set to face Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final, Deeney has urged Tuchel to drop O'Reilly for Djed Spence to better handle Lionel Messi. 'It's just coming up against Messi, because that's what he's going to come in on the left side,' Deeney said. 'I would probably have to go Djed Spence just to match him. And say to Djed Spence, “Just follow him. If he goes inside, go inside.”'
O'Reilly's fitness was a concern ahead of the semi-final, but he is now expected to be available to start in Atlanta. Declan Rice, who only played the first half of the quarter-final win over Norway due to illness, is also thought to be fit enough to feature. Reece James returned from a hamstring problem off the bench in that match and may be risked from the start against Argentina, with Jarell Quansah still suspended. Spence is another option at right-back if James is not deemed fit enough to start.
