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Nico O'Reilly made his England debut in the 2-0 win over Serbia and is now targeting a spot in the squad for the World Cup next year
Nico O'Reilly has set his sights on securing a spot in England's World Cup squad following his debut appearance in the 2-0 victory over Serbia.
The 20-year-old became the most recent player to stake a claim for the left-back role after earning his first senior cap in Thursday's qualifier.
With Myles Lewis-Skelly snubbed for the latest squad due to limited playing time at Arsenal and Tino Livramento sidelined through injury, O'Reilly could have the opportunity to establish himself in the position.
The Manchester City defender has high ambitions, but acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. "It's an aim for me to try and get there in the World Cup, but there's huge competition," he said.
"But you have to work hard and take it day-by-day, game-by-game. I've just got to keep going. Sometimes it's good to reflect and be proud of yourself.
"I am proud, I have achieved so much at a young age but I can't let it get to my head, I have got to keep concentrated and keep focused. It means so much, a dream come true, to have my family watching at Wembley and making my England debut is crazy."
O'Reilly featured in a backline that recorded yet another clean sheet as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford extended his remarkable run to 10 consecutive matches without conceding for England.
Should he remain unbeaten in Sunday's concluding qualifier in Albania, it would mean he has navigated the entire qualifying campaign without letting in a single goal. "There's big pride," Pickford stated.
"It's a team collective, I've said time and time again, it's a basis of us as a football team to have that stability at the back from all 11 of us, to then create opportunities going forward.
"It's a great trait to have, and something we're proud of the team. There's one more to go, yet. We have to dust ourselves down, get ready for Albania on Sunday and just keep winning football matches.
"But we've got that basis of keeping clean sheets as well, and we can't get bored of doing that, because that puts you in good stead."
English (US) ·