Chelsea defender Reece James has pulled out of the England squad after sustaining a leg injury in his side’s 2-1 Premier League win over Liverpool on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old fullback will remain at Cobham for treatment during the international break, with Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly earning his first senior call-up as a replacement.
An England statement confirmed: “The Chelsea captain sustained an injury playing for his club over the weekend and has been ruled out of England’s October internationals following medical assessments.”
James’ absence adds to Chelsea’s growing injury list, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Andrey Santos, Wesley Fofana, Liam Delap and Tosin Adarabioyo all sidelined.
Meanwhile, O’Reilly moves up from the Under-21s ahead of England’s upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia. The 20-year-old has seen regular playing time in Pep Guardiola’s squad this season, making nine appearances across all competitions and signing a new long-term contract at the Etihad last month.
A squad update from St. George’s Park, as Nico O’Reilly is added to our #ThreeLions squad, with Reece James withdrawing through injury.
— England (@England) October 6, 2025
Having represented England from Under-15 to Under-20 level, O’Reilly will now link up with club teammates John Stones and James Trafford in Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad.
Tottenham’s Djed Spence is England’s only recognised right-back following James’ withdrawal. The Three Lions face Wales at Wembley on Thursday before travelling to Riga to meet Latvia next Tuesday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
