James suffered an injury during their hard fought 2-1 victory at home to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Adam Wharton were overlooked by manager Thomas Tuchel and have been overlooked once again as O'Reilly steps in once again.
Man City released a statement on Monday morning confirming the news as he links up with teammates James Trafford and John Stones, who are also in the Three Lions squad.
“Nico O’Reilly has received a maiden call-up into the senior England squad for this month’s internationals against Wales and Latvia.
“It’s a first-ever senior international call-up for O’Reilly who moves across from the Under-21s squad and who has been capped from Under-15 to Under-20 level with England.
“It also helps further cement what has been a quite magnificent start to the season for the 20-year-old.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Nico on his call-up.”
The youngster has made nine appearances in all competitions, with City unbeaten in all of the games where O'Reilly has started. Meanwhile, James' injury is believed to be a wound on his shin, meaning manager Enzo Maresca is now currently without five centre-backs, two of which had to come off injured on Saturday.
O'Reilly has previously represented his country at every level from Under 15's and will hope to make an impact under Tuchel, who clearly has faith in the young defender heading into the international break.