O’Reilly: Experience can help us against Norway

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are up next for Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions as they prepare to take on Norway in Miami on Saturday 11 July (10pm BST).

After recovering from their whirlwind victory over Mexico, the squad are fully focussed on booking their spot in the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in eight years.

Nico O’Reilly has been speaking ahead of the game, discussing the upcoming clash with Norway, making his World Cup debut and captain Harry Kane.

England boosted by quarter-final experience

England will make their third successive World Cup quarter-final appearance against Norway, having beaten Sweden in 2018 and lost to France in 2022.

Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford and Kane were all part of the squad in 2018, while eight players in Tuchel’s current squad were part of Gareth Southgate’s group who experienced defeat four years ago.

O’Reilly feels that the experience of playing in a World Cup quarter-final, good or bad, can only be a positive.

“We have a lot of players who have been in situations like these, in quarter-finals before,” O’reilly told reporters on Friday.

“A lot of experienced and older players. Of course, they help us out. They give us advice, tell us to stay calm, and just help us wherever they can.”

Kane is one of the players who sprang to O’Reilly’s mind when discussing the experienced leaders within camp.

“He’s a world-class player and such a good person as well,” O’Reilly explained.

“He motivates us on the pitch, off the pitch, he drives the standards and sets the tone. He’s amazing to have on the team.”

O’Reilly ‘proud’ to wear Three Lions

The defender had a breakthrough season at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, playing in 53 games for the club across all competitions.

At just 21 years old, O’Reilly is making an impact at his first major international tournament, having played in all five of England’s matches so far, starting four of them.

“It makes me feel proud,” he said.

“It's a privilege and an honour to play for my country, represent and put this badge on, and show what I can do and try and do my best every session and every game.”