World Cup 2026: Nico O’Reilly lays out England’s plan to neutralise Antoine Semenyo threat

England are fine-tuning their approach to their World Cup 2026 Group encounter with Ghana, with Nico O’Reilly detailing how Thomas Tuchel’s side intend to shut down Antoine Semenyo in Foxborough.

The Manchester City defender, deployed at left-back, says discipline and intensity will define England’s response as they look to build on their win over Croatia and maintain control of the group phase.

O’Reilly, an academy graduate turned Premier League young player of the season with Manchester City, insists he thrives on pressure and big occasions while adapting to Pep Guardiola’s tactical use of him at left-back, a role he has carried into international duty. “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.”

Looking ahead to Ghana, O’Reilly underlined the threat posed by Semenyo, who joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in January after a strong Premier League campaign, and urged collective defending.

“Antoine is a very good player,” O’Reilly warned his England teammates. “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 believe disciplined pressing and set-piece control will be decisive as they look to maintain momentum in Group play phase.