Joe Cole backs Nico O'Reilly for England's World Cup squad after match-winning brace against Newcastle - 'He's certainly on the plane'

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Joe Cole said Nico O’Reilly "will certainly be on the plane" to this summer’s FIFA World Cup with England after he scored both goals in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. Speaking after his brace, the 20-year-old said he was "over the moon", particularly given the victory has taken his side to within two points of league leaders Arsenal, having played the same number of games.

‘Left-back position is wide open’ – Why O'Reilly can start for England at World Cup

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Joe Cole has said Nico O’Reilly "will certainly be on the plane" to this summer’s World Cup with England after the youngster scored both goals in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old opened the scoring for Pep Guardiola’s side after 14 minutes with a driven effort from the edge of the box and, following Lewis Hall’s equaliser, he restored the hosts’ lead with a pinpoint header.

O’Reilly’s brace at the Etihad means he has scored three goals in his past two league outings and the academy graduate appears to be thriving from a recent switch to his natural position in midfield, having previously been deployed at left-back by Guardiola and with England.

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He has made two appearances for the national team, having been handed his debut last November, and Cole believes he is a shoo-in for Thomas Tuchel’s squad, particularly given the lack of consistently selected left-backs in recent seasons.

"Versatility is crucial, especially at a tournament, and the left-back position is wide open," Cole said. "Nobody’s grabbed it yet, so he could play there.

"I don't think he's going to get anywhere near the 10 position or the eight, because we’re really stacked there, but he will certainly be on the plane.

"If he keeps performing, a lot can change. There's 11 games left for Man City, they're like 11 cup finals, and if you're performing and you're at it, you're going to be in Thomas Tuchel’s mind."

O’Reilly started in England’s final two World Cup qualifying games against Serbia and Albania as Tuchel’s men completed a perfect campaign, winning all eight games without conceding a goal.

The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes in both fixtures, starting instead of Djed Spence, who was the only other left-back in the squad for the November camp.

O’Reilly could also face competition at left-back from Myles Lewis-Skelly, though he is struggling for minutes at Arsenal, and, incidentally, the other goalscorer at the Etihad on Saturday night, Hall, who also has two caps for the national team.

'Important we're closing the gap' - O'Reilly

The victory over Newcastle has taken Manchester City to within two points of leaders Arsenal, with the gap having been seven points just three games ago.

With Arsenal yet to visit the Etihad in the league this season, the fate of Guardiola's side is now back in their own hands.

Given City's historically strong run-ins under the Spaniard and Arsenal's three successive second-placed finishes, the swing in momentum in recent weeks could be significant and O'Reilly understands the importance of putting the pressure on their title-race rivals.

Highlights: Man City cut gap at top after O'Reilly brace downs Newcastle

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Speaking to TNT Sports after his brace, he said: "I'm over the moon. The win was the most important thing, closing the gap and applying as much pressure as possible. And also, I'm very happy with the two goals.

"It's a dream of mine to win something like [the Premier League]. There's still a lot of games to go, so it's about taking each game as it comes. I'm enjoying every moment.

"We always believe we can win games. We had a week's break, so we could prepare for this game very well. We just need to keep going."

Arsenal visit Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, but given they have currently played the same number of games as City, the pressure is certainly for the latest north London derby.

Anything but three points for Mikel Arteta's men will present the chance for City to go top of the table when they visit Leeds United in the league next Saturday.

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