FIFA World Cup: England's O'Reilly backs experienced stars for Norway SF push
Synopsis
At 21, Nico O'Reilly has started four of England's five World Cup matches — and he says it's the veterans, Kane above all, who are keeping the camp grounded. England's bid for only a second-ever World Cup semi-final in eight years rests on that blend of youthful energy and battle-hardened calm.
Key Takeaways
England face Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final , their third successive last-eight appearance.
Midfielder Nico O'Reilly , aged 21 , has featured in all five England matches, starting four .
Veterans including Jordan Pickford , John Stones , Jordan Henderson , Marcus Rashford , and Harry Kane played in the 2018 World Cup.
Eight players in Thomas Tuchel's squad also experienced the 2022 quarter-final exit under Gareth Southgate .
O'Reilly described Harry Kane as a 'world-class player' who 'drives the standards and sets the tone' in camp.
England midfielder Nico O'Reilly has credited the squad's experienced core as a vital steadying force ahead of the country's third successive FIFA World Cup quarter-final, this time against Norway. Speaking to reporters in Miami on Friday, 10 July, the 21-year-old said senior players have been instrumental in keeping the group composed under tournament pressure.
England's Quarter-Final Build-Up
Fresh from a hard-fought victory over Mexico, England are now laser-focused on reaching the World Cup semi-finals for only the second time in eight years. The squad has drawn heavily on its collective experience, with veterans such as Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane all having featured in the 2018 campaign. A further eight players in Thomas Tuchel's current setup were part of Gareth Southgate's squad that suffered a quarter-final exit four years later.
What O'Reilly Said
'We have a lot of players who have been in situations like these, in quarter-finals before,' O'Reilly told reporters. '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.'
The young midfielder singled out Harry Kane as a particularly influential presence. 'He's a world-class player and such a good person as well. 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 said.
O'Reilly's Own Tournament Journey
For O'Reilly, who turned 21 this year, the tournament marks his first major international appearance and he has seized the moment — featuring in all five of England's matches so far and 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.'
The Bigger Picture
England's run to a third straight quarter-final underlines the programme's growing consistency under successive managers. Notably, the blend of 2018 and 2022 survivors with emerging talents like O'Reilly mirrors the generational transition that has defined England's recent World Cup campaigns. A semi-final berth would equal their best result since the 1966 triumph on home soil. The match against Norway is set to be a stern test, but England head into it with momentum, depth, and a dressing room that has been through the fire before.
Point of View
And that shift in itself is significant. What O'Reilly's comments reveal is a dressing room that has consciously built institutional memory: players who know what a World Cup knockout feels like and are passing that knowledge down. The risk is complacency dressed as composure. Kane's leadership is genuine, but England have been here before and exited. The question is not whether the experienced players can keep the young ones calm — it is whether that collective calm translates into the ruthlessness that has eluded England in the decisive moments of major tournaments for six decades.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nico O'Reilly and why is he significant at this World Cup?
Nico O'Reilly is a 21-year-old England midfielder who is playing his first major international tournament at this FIFA World Cup. He has featured in all five of England's matches so far, starting four of them, making him one of the breakout young players of the campaign.
Which England players have previous World Cup quarter-final experience?
Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane all featured in England's 2018 World Cup run. Additionally, eight players in Thomas Tuchel's current squad were part of the 2022 squad that also reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated.
What did Nico O'Reilly say about Harry Kane's role in the squad?
O'Reilly described Kane as 'a world-class player and such a good person,' adding that Kane 'motivates us on the pitch, off the pitch, he drives the standards and sets the tone.' He called Kane 'amazing to have on the team.'
What would a semi-final place mean for England?
Reaching the semi-finals would be only England's second such achievement in eight years and would equal their best World Cup result since their 1966 title victory. A win against Norway in the quarter-final would secure that berth.
Who is England's coach at this World Cup?
England are managed by Thomas Tuchel at this FIFA World Cup. His squad includes a mix of veterans from the 2018 and 2022 campaigns alongside emerging talents like Nico O'Reilly.
