Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly dropped out of the starting XI as England were dumped out of the World Cup on Wednesday.
Nico O'Reilly started on the bench vs Argentina
Nico O'Reilly started on the bench vs Argentina
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What a year it has been for Nico O'Reilly.
The youngster has nailed down his place as the Blues' starting left-back, scored a brace at Wembley to add another piece of silverware to Manchester City's trophy cabinet, and is now seemingly England's first-choice left-back having started five of their seven World Cup matches.
Not bad for a 21-year-old. But he was forced to watch from the bench as England kicked off their semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday night.
O'Reilly was introduced in the 82nd minute as Thomas Tuchel sought to protect England's lead, a tactic that proved costly as a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina came on strong in the latter stages to deny England a spot in the World Cup final.
Tuchel has rightly been criticised for his negative approach in the wake of the defeat, with the head coach's substitutions coming under scrutiny. But did he even get his starting XI right?
O'Reilly had enjoyed a solid World Cup campaign prior to the semi-final and even threatened to open his international account earlier in the tournament. In the only game the 21-year-old hadn't started prior to Wednesday night, O'Reilly crashed a late header against the bar as he almost proved to be the match-winner in England's second group game against Ghana.
City fans know all too well what a threat O'Reilly can be in the opposition box. A midfielder by trade prior to his move to left-back, O'Reilly has a knack for coming alive in the penalty area, with an impressive record of nine goals from his 53 outings for City last season.
His huge frame makes him a danger whenever he can get into the opposition's box, and against a relatively short Argentina team who were always bound to concede plenty of free-kicks on Wednesday night, was benching your best left-back who brings such a physical presence really wise?
This is not to say that not starting O'Reilly is the reason England lost on Wednesday - there are plenty worse decisions taken by Tuchel to be scrutinised before we get to the City youngster - but opting against starting the best left-back in the squad would could have provided plenty of quality in both boxes does seem like an odd call.