Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterOReilly has only won five senior caps for the Three Lions heading into the finals, but has quickly cemented his place as Thomas Tuchels first-choice left-back.As a former left-back himself, Bridge was perfectly placed to speak about the 21-year-olds potential and hailed his physical and technical attributes.Speaking exclusively to Freebets.com, Bridge said: "He's one of my favourite players of the season. I loved him ever since he came onto the scene.Wayne Bridge: 'Nico O'Reilly can be England's World Cup star'He started as a midfielder but slotted into full-back really well. He ends up in positions where he's in the box, and he's a big lad. He's comfortable on the ball whatever position he's in, whether thats in the attacking box, or receiving it on the wings with players around him.You just hope that the way England play is going to be very different to Man City. But I think he can cope in any scenario. I think this could be one of those tournaments where he really announces himself on the football stage." You may like Do you pick on form or experience? The Golden Generation always seemed to be selected on their experience and that didnt work out Micah Richards on Thomas Tuchels big challenge This group havent had the Golden Generations club success, but theyre putting everything together better Owen Hargreaves on his Thomas Tuchels side can eclipse his teams efforts People look at Trent Alexander-Arnold defensively and think that hes not as good as others. Id pick him every day of the week for what he gives you going forward Stephen Warnock on why the Real Madrid man must be picked for the World Cup PLAY our FREE World Cup Predictor game and win �1,000The former England full-back is excited by the midfield options at Tuchels disposal and feels there is enough cover in the wide areas to cope if Bukayo Sakas injury problems resurface."I'd probably expect him [Saka] to start, but he's going to have to be assessed medically. You've got options Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon. As important as Saka is, I think we've got enough in the squad to cope if he can't play.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.I think it's one of those things that if you're going to go on the big stage, in your head you'll know whether you should or shouldn't play and I think the medical team should know that as well.Wayne Rooney was just a different breed in terms of what he would put his body through. But I'm sure they're not going to be stupid. On the biggest stage, you want to make sure you've got someone who's not going to hinder the team or hinder themselves."Much was made about Tuchels decision to leave Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of the squad, and while Bridge admits he would have taken Palmer, he insists there is more than enough quality to progress deep into the tournament. What to read next Exclusive: England's Eberechi Eze tells FourFourTwo his two World Cup heroes I think theres a dark horse to watch out for, who will have a good go at the World Cup they are a very good side England legend Chris Waddle reveals the unexpected country he thinks everyone should keep their eyes on in North America this summer When Cole Palmer scored in the Euros final, I dont think Id shouted as much in my life! It made me want to do it as well Morgan Rogers on watching his former Man City teammate excel on the biggest stage "I was like every other fan probably a Chelsea fan or a Cole Palmer fan when he was scoring those goals, going 'why the hell is he not starting?' But it has been a tough season for him. Would I have taken him? I was swaying towards yes.But it's such a hard job and football is just full of opinions. I love Rashford as a player, I love Gordon as a player I think they're direct and they're dangerous. I think there's too much talk on who's being left behind sometimes. There's enough quality in that team to go and do well. Me personally, I love Palmer and Foden but they haven't had their best seasons. Palmer probably would have sneaked it in I would have taken him, if I'm honest."We could have taken Palmer and I'd have named him straight away. But it depends who starts. If Rashford starts, then Gordon's coming on with fresh legs. You've got Madueke, who's quick. You've got Harry Kane as well you can't forget about Kane. There are enough people in there with the ability to change a game.However, Bridge believes England will just fall short and fears their 60-year wait for major mens trophy will continue beyond this summer, and is backing France to go all the way."My natural response if I've sat down having a pint with my mates is: we could be absolutely terrible, do nothing, or we could go on and win it. That is literally my response. That is tournament football. They could go all the way and win it, or it could go very wrong.It wouldn't surprise me if there are some surprises though Morocco are dangerous, Japan could be a dark horse. If I had to pick one team, I'd be picking France. Sadly, I'm not picking England, but I'd love to see them go all the away."TOPICSManchester CityEnglandWorld CupJames Hilsum
