LONDON — England’s plans for the October internationals have been shaken after Chelsea defender Reece James withdrew from the national squad due to injury. His place has been taken by young Nico O’Reilly, who received his first senior England call-up.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

James Out After Saturday Injury

James sustained the injury during Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League win over Liverpool on Saturday. Following medical assessments, England’s FA confirmed he must withdraw and return to Chelsea for further care.

The exact nature of James’s injury has not been disclosed. His withdrawal leaves England light on options at right back, a role James has often filled.

O’Reilly Earns First Senior England Call

In response, 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly was promoted from the Under-21 squad to the senior team. This marks his maiden call-up to England’s senior squad.

O’Reilly has played across England youth teams (U15 to U20) and has featured nine times for Manchester City this season in various roles, including left back. His versatility and recent form earned him the leap to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

He joins a squad preparing for a friendly against Wales at Wembley and a World Cup qualifier in Riga against Latvia on Oct. 14.

Impact on England and Chelsea

The loss of James is a blow to England’s defensive depth. His consistent performances and leadership have made him a trusted option in Gareth Southgate’s setups in recent campaigns.

For Chelsea, the absence adds to an already troubling injury crisis. The Blues have multiple defenders sidelined, increasing pressure on squad depth during the international break.

What’s Next

England head coach Tuchel must now adjust strategies without James. The team faces Wales at Wembley this Thursday and then travels to Latvia on October 14.

O’Reilly will join the squad immediately and may well receive his first senior cap in one of the two fixtures. His performance will be closely watched, both by national team fans and Manchester City observers.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s medical staff will use the break to assess James’s condition and plan his recovery.

In a tense and dramatic finish, Nigeria’s U-20 side, the Flying Eagles, secured a 1-1 draw with Colombia in their final Group F match at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Talca, Chile, thanks to a late penalty from captain Daniel Bameyi. The result was enough to see Nigeria through to the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Match Summary

• First half: Both teams pushed aggressively, but despite multiple chances, the score remained 0-0 at the break. Nigeria hit the woodwork several times, including a header from Kparobo Arierhi in the opening minutes.
• Colombia strike first: Early in the second half (51st minute), Kener González gave Colombia the lead, scoring after a well-constructed move.
• Nigeria fight back: Despite missing chances and hitting the frame again, Nigeria pressed on. In the 84th minute, after a handball inside the box by a Colombian defender, VAR intervened, and a penalty was awarded. Bameyi stepped up and calmly converted, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1.

What This Means

• Nigeria progresses: The draw ensured Nigeria advanced to the Round of 16 as one of the best third‐placed teams in the group. They will face Argentina in the next stage.
• Colombia also through: Colombia finish top of Group F and will face South Africa in the Round of 16.

Key Takeaways

1. Resilience under pressure: Nigeria showed character, especially after going down early in the second half, and kept pushing until the end.
2. Importance of VAR: The decision to award the penalty followed a VAR review—highlighting how crucial video technology has become at this level.
3. Missed opportunities: Nigeria’s earlier chances—hitting woodwork multiple times—and Colombia’s inability to kill the game after going ahead suggest both teams have room to improve.

What to Watch Next

• Nigeria vs Argentina: Expect a tough match; Argentina will be looking to dominate possession and attack. Nigeria will need to be organized defensively and opportunistic.
• Colombia vs South Africa: Colombia will aim to maintain momentum, but South Africa may surprise if they can disrupt play and counter effectively.

GLASGOW, Scotland — Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers has praised Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho for his improved fitness and recent strong performances, signaling a boost for the Scottish club ahead of key fixtures.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Rodgers highlighted Iheanacho’s physical condition as a major factor in his recent impact on the field. “Kelechi has worked incredibly hard on his fitness,” Rodgers said. “You can see it in the way he moves, presses, and finishes. He’s in a really good place right now, and that shows in his performances.”

Iheanacho, 28, has recently found the back of the net in consecutive matches, helping Celtic secure vital points in the Scottish Premiership. His renewed form has been welcomed by both fans and teammates, who have noted the striker’s increased energy and sharpness during games.

Rodgers noted that Iheanacho’s progress is part of a wider effort to ensure all players are at peak condition for the demanding season ahead. “Our focus is always on keeping the squad healthy and ready,” he said. “When players are fit and confident, it makes a big difference. Kelechi is a perfect example of this.”

The Nigerian forward, who joined Celtic from Leicester City last summer, struggled initially to adapt to the team’s style and the pace of Scottish football. Injuries and limited playing time contributed to a slow start, but Rodgers believes Iheanacho’s recent form reflects his hard work behind the scenes.

Fans have noticed the difference. Social media and fan forums are filled with praise for Iheanacho’s performances, particularly his movement off the ball and ability to create scoring opportunities. Analysts have also highlighted the striker’s improved stamina, allowing him to contribute both in attack and defensive pressing.

“Physically, he’s at a level where he can play consistently and make an impact in every game,” Rodgers said. “It’s a credit to his dedication and the work he’s put in during training.”

Celtic’s medical and fitness staff have played a key role in the striker’s progress. According to sources close to the club, Iheanacho has followed a tailored conditioning program, including strength training, nutrition guidance, and recovery sessions, aimed at maximizing his performance throughout the season.

Rodgers believes that maintaining this fitness will be crucial as Celtic competes on multiple fronts, including the Premiership, domestic cups, and European competitions. The coach emphasized the importance of sustaining high fitness levels to reduce injury risks and ensure the team can compete at its best.

Looking ahead, Iheanacho is expected to remain a central figure in Rodgers’ plans. With Celtic chasing the league title and seeking strong results in cup competitions, the striker’s form could prove decisive. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can maintain his momentum.

Celtic faces a busy schedule in the coming weeks, with several crucial matches that could determine their standing in the league and influence their European campaign. Rodgers remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. “We have quality in the squad and players like Kelechi making a difference,” he said. “We are focused on staying fit, staying competitive, and pushing for success in every game.”