{"id":854510,"date":"2026-03-27T19:50:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/854510\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T19:50:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:50:16","slug":"thierry-henry-names-barely-used-england-star-as-crucial-asset-for-tuchels-world-cup-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/854510\/","title":{"rendered":"Thierry Henry names barely used England star as crucial asset for Tuchel\u2019s World Cup plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has tipped one England star to have a huge impact in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s squad beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the March international break upon us, attention turns to England<\/a>\u2019s friendly fixtures against Uruguay and Japan.<\/p>\n

Ahead of the matches, Thomas Tuchel<\/a> announced a 35-man squad, with several players \u2013 such as Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire \u2013 recalled after missing out in November.<\/p>\n

Everton\u2019s James Garner also received his first senior call-up after impressing for the Toffees.<\/p>\n

Usual suspects Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane and Declan Rice made the squad, while Manchester City<\/a> starlet Nico O\u2019Reilly will be hoping to add to his two international caps after what has been a stellar week for the 21-year-old.<\/p>\n

Last Sunday (22 March), the City academy graduate had a day to remember, scoring twice in Pep Guardiola\u2019s side\u2019s 2\u20130 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal \u2013 which came the day after his 21st birthday.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Reilly\u2019s versatility has proven valuable for Guardiola this season, with the youngster featuring 44 times across four competitions \u2013 the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.<\/p>\n

But could he make his first appearance at a major international tournament at this summer\u2019s World Cup?<\/p>\n

Henry thinks so.<\/p>\n

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SPORTbible, the former Arsenal forward praised O\u2019Reilly\u2019s performances.<\/p>\n

\"NicoNico O’Reilly has impressed Thierry Henry (Credit:Getty)<\/p>\n

When asked who he believes has a bright future in the national team, Henry replied: \u201cI\u2019ve been saying to everybody, I\u2019ve been impressed with O\u2019Reilly for a very long time because of how versatile he is, because of the multiple positions that he can play.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, we all know \u2013 I think he has a background as a holding midfielder. This guy is playing left-back, inside, behind the nine, sometimes deep, and he looks like he\u2019s doing okay with it. So, like I said, I would like to see how he\u2019s going to evolve because I like the way he reads the game. To be able to play in Pep\u2019s team and do what Pep is asking tactically, you\u2019ve got to be sharp.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahead of the March internationals, O\u2019Reilly has two England caps to his name, with the 21-year-old getting the nod in World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully, he can stay injury-free and keep his head on his shoulders,\u201d Henry continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see how he can be a good asset for England. But once again, Thomas Tuchel is the coach\u2026 let\u2019s see how far he can go. As I said, you can never tell what the future holds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Henry was speaking to SPORTbible in association with the \u201cNo Lay\u2019s, No Game<\/a>\u201d campaign, which will see icons Alexia Putellas, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Steve Carell and the Arsenal legend chat to fans in a legendary WhatsApp group chat.<\/p>\n

Supporters can join the chat and see exactly what the five personalities get up to, with access to voice notes, memes, genuine debate and even some hilarious banter.<\/p>\n

Fans can also tune in to the epic watch party chat until the end of the FIFA World Cup at nolaysnogame.com\/epicwatchparty<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lays will also be crowning a Fan of the Match in all 104 matches, with winners awarded pitch-side access, premium match tickets, halftime stadium recognition on the jumbotron, and a custom Lay’s Fan of the Match trophy. Fans globally can enter to be the Fan of the Match at nolaysnogame.com\/FOTM<\/a>.<\/p>\n