Nico O’Reilly reveals England plan to stop Ghana star Antoine Semenyo
England defender Nico O’Reilly says doubling up on Manchester City team-mate Antoine Semenyo is the key to beating Ghana in Tuesday’s World Cup Group L match in Massachusetts.
The 21-year-old recently transitioned into a makeshift left-back under Pep Guardiola at club level.
That positional shift has allowed the Premier League Young Player of the Season to establish himself as a starter for Thomas Tuchel’s national side.
He featured from the outset during last Wednesday’s 4-2 opening victory over Croatia.
Thriving under major tournament pressure
The academy graduate earned his first senior call-up in October following a sensational breakout campaign.
He developed a reputation for delivering on massive stages, netting crucial goals against Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
“I love a big occasion,” O’Reilly said.
“I think it brings more out of me when I am stepping up to the bigger stages, and I like playing under pressure.”
The versatile youngster has urged his international colleagues to maintain the relentless intensity that suffocated Croatia during the second half of their opening fixture.
Neutralising the threat of Semenyo
Tuesday’s encounter in Foxborough will see the makeshift defender tasked with shutting down a familiar face.
London-born attacker Semenyo secured a lucrative January transfer to the Etihad Stadium following a prolific spell with Bournemouth.
“Antoine is a very good player,” O’Reilly warned his England teammates.
“I’ve seen it firsthand in training and playing with him.”
Despite acknowledging the formidable strength of the Ghanaian forward, the English star remains confident in their collective defensive strategy.
“He’s always in the gym, he’s a big lad, but he can’t win the game by himself, so if we double up on him, we’ll see.”
Long-term midfield ambitions
While excelling in a defensive capacity at his first major tournament, the talented prospect still envisions his future in the centre of the pitch.
He views his natural profile as best suited to a dynamic box-to-box midfield role.
“But left-back, I have been enjoying it and it has got me here now to a World Cup,” he added.
Tuchel’s squad will be hoping to secure early qualification from Group L with another commanding display on American soil.
