England defender Nico O’Reilly has revealed that stopping Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo will be one of the Three Lions’ key priorities as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepare for a highly anticipated Group L encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Manchester City youngster believes discipline, intensity and collective defending will be essential if England are to secure a second consecutive victory and strengthen their bid for a place in the knockout stages after opening the tournament with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
O’Reilly, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Pep Guardiola and was named Manchester City’s Young Player of the Season, has seamlessly adapted to a left-back role for both club and country. The versatile defender says he relishes the biggest moments and is eager to test himself against one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking sides.
“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. I feel like I thrive off it and just enjoy it.”
The 20-year-old is particularly wary of Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo, who became his club teammate after completing a January move from Bournemouth following an impressive Premier League campaign.
Having trained and played alongside the Ghana international, O’Reilly believes England must remain alert to Semenyo’s physicality, pace and attacking quality throughout the contest.
“Antoine is a very good player,” O’Reilly warned.
“I’ve seen it firsthand in training and playing with him. I know Ghana are going to be very physical. If we play our game and we do what we did towards the end of the last game, I think we should be OK.”
England head into the clash looking to build on their entertaining victory over Croatia, while Ghana arrive with confidence after edging Panama 1-0 thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi.
With both sides targeting maximum points to move closer to qualification for the Round of 32, Tuchel’s men are expected to rely on disciplined pressing, organised defending and dominance from set pieces to counter Ghana’s pace and counter-attacking threat.
The meeting at Gillette Stadium promises to be one of the standout fixtures of Group L, with England aiming to continue their unbeaten start and Ghana seeking another statement victory on the road to the knockout stages.
