O'Reilly out of England Czechia clash as Konsa stays
Nico O'Reilly is out of the England Czechia Nations League clash on Tuesday, but Ezri Konsa is set to be in the squad. Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha replaces him after both men skipped Monday training following England's 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley.
Key Takeaways
- Nico O'Reilly will miss England's Nations League trip to Prague against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
- Ezri Konsa remains in the squad after both men sat out Monday training on individual programmes.
- Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha has been called up as cover, with Lewis Hall also in the frame at left-back.
- England face Czechia home and away this window, plus Croatia in Rijeka, after a 3-2 loss to Spain.
Why is Nico O'Reilly missing the Czech Republic match?
According to the BBC, O'Reilly and Konsa were the only England players to miss Monday morning training, each following their own individual programmes. Both had played the full 90 minutes in Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley.
O'Reilly will not travel to Prague for the Nations League fixture. His mistake against Spain helped Alex Baena draw the visitors level at 2-2 before the World Cup winners went on to win 3-2.
Is Ezri Konsa fit for England Czechia, and who comes in?
Konsa is set to be in the squad. The Arsenal centre-back has become one of Thomas Tuchel's most trusted players and started seven of the eight matches at the 2026 World Cup, where he and O'Reilly helped England reach the semi-finals.
Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, who missed the matchday squad against Spain, has been called up as O'Reilly's replacement. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall could stake a claim for a starting spot at left-back. If Konsa were unavailable, Jarrad Branthwaite — who came on late for Marc Guehi against Spain — could be a contender to start.
What does this mean for England's Nations League window?
England are playing four matches in this international window. After the Spain defeat they take on the Czech Republic both home and away, either side of travelling to Rijeka to play Croatia.
Before the Spain game there was debate about England's style and identity, with Anthony Gordon urging a more traditional approach and Tuchel saying he may start to "embrace the chaos". England led 2-1 before Harry Kane missed a penalty and Spain scored twice to win 3-2.
Tuchel said the team showed courage and identity over 90 minutes, even as individual mistakes caused problems. He also called the new three-week format especially challenging because of travel, short rest between games and the injury risk that comes with switching roles between club and country.
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