As England get ready to kick their World Cup campaign off against Croatia at 21:00 BST on Wednesday, BBC Radio Manchester has been looking at 21-year-old Nico O'Reilly's meteoric rise to Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad this summer as part of BBC Local radio's Homegrown Heroes series.
Listen on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play above
The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.
And to get in the mood as Manchester City start life without Pep Guardiola, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.
Get in touch with your memories here
And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how City's league fixture list has fallen.
Norway kicked off their World Cup campaign on Tuesday with a 4-1 victory over Iraq and Manchester City's number nine was at the forefront once again.
Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut to help Norway overcome a spirited Iraq in their opening Group I game at Boston Stadium.
The 25-year-old took his tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances for his country as they made their World Cup return after 28 years and you can catch all the highlights by clicking play above.
Real Madrid are plotting an £80m swoop for Manchester City's Portugal centre-back Ruben Dias, 29. (Mirror), external
Manchester City and Chelsea have made contact with Italy right-back Marco Palestra's entourage but have not yet begun negotiations with the 21-year-old's club Atalanta. (Sky Sport Italia - in Italian), external
Tottenham have been encouraged to compete with Arsenal and City for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle's asking price for the 26-year-old expected to be about £100m. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City have agreed a deal to sign teenage defender Hermann Malonga from Champions League winners Paris St-Germain on a free transfer.
The 18-year-old Frenchman made 15 appearances for PSG's youth team last season and was out of contract this summer.
Reports suggest Malonga will sign a five-year deal at City, external and go into the elite development squad (EDS).
It is the second summer in which City have taken a youngster from PSG on a free transfer after signing striker Mahamadou Sangare last May., external
Sangare played 30 games for the EDS last season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions as the side came third in Premier League 2.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your reaction to the news that defender Josko Gvardiol has agreed a new contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2031.
Here are some of your comments:
Andrew: Gvardiol - classy technically and great positional awareness. Don't forget his attacking threat and, although Nico O'Reilly has been exceptional, having Josko play centre or left back is a huge asset. Temperament looks first rate as well and he will help the younger centre-backs grow and mature. Any team would want him!
Gary: A great signing. An exceptional player who may well prove to be one of the best the Premier League has seen. There will be some who thought that City's new world would include finding it hard to keep their best players, but this provides validation that Hugo Viana, his team and the club continues to offer the best environment for the best players to thrive.
John: Josko is calm and strong in defence, with a total footballer's versatility, an eye for goal, a great leap, magical left foot and added danger when cutting in to shoot with his right foot. Perfectly suited the way City played under Pep Guardiola and will hopefully continue under his successor during his peak years. Bring it on!
Sam: I don't really know why City need Gvardiol. They have many good centre backs (Guehi, Khusanov, Dias) and good full-backs (Nunes and O'Reilly). I don't see the difference with or without him, and he could probably be sold for a good price.
David: Excellent and intelligent player. Delighted he is staying.
C Warnock-Parkes: He would be a huge asset to any manager in any team. He is an amazing player and he does City proud every time he plays!
Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesDefender Josko Gvardiol has agreed a new contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2031, sources have told BBC Sport.
The 24-year-old's current deal was set to expire in 2028 but the player is now set to remain at Etihad Stadium, ending speculation, external about a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
BBC Sport reported last week that City were feeling positive in conversations around a new contract and that talks were progressing well.
Gvardiol is currently preparing for the World Cup with Croatia and could come up against some of his City team-mates in their opening game against England on Wednesday (kick-off 21:00 BST).
After some uncertainty around his City future, how important is it that Gvardiol is now set to stay? Will he be a key asset for the next manager?
Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesJohn Stones started alongside Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa in England's latest friendly and could be given the nod ahead of Manchester City team-mate Marc Guehi for the Croatia game (Wednesday, 21:00 BST).
Stones played just 439 minutes of Premier League football in the season just ended, featuring in only 18 games for City across all competitions.
He missed two months with a thigh injury and had to sit out England's two friendly matches before Thomas Tuchel picked his squad because of a calf injury.
But Stones, who announced in April he will leave City this summer, says he has been "fit, pretty much all season".
Tuchel gave his backing to Stones, picking him ahead of Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill, by saying he remains a "big part" of his plans and has "a lot of credit in the bank".
This will be Stones' sixth major tournament for England, having helped the side to reach the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the two previous World Cups.
"I love being here and I think that goes without saying," Stones said.
"But when I got the call off of the manager, I think he saw the kid inside of me, how I reacted to it where I couldn't really control myself.
"It was like the first time, just pure joy coming out of me, and I think that is one of the qualities that he loves - how all of this group can be ourselves as players."
Read more about Stones' journey from near-retirement to World Cup place here
Hit play below to hear more from Stones or listen on BBC Sounds here
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is time to get your scouting caps on!
We are officially four days and 12 games deep into the biggest World Cup ever, so we want to know who has grabbed your attention early doors - especially as the summer transfer window is now officially open.
What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations? Who have you got down as your one to watch?
Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here
Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport
Image source, BBC SportFrom live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick from the biggest World Cup yet.
And there's more - the BBC is launching live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every match wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
A new predictor game is being introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.
The new game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.
Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?
Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.
The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real-time, highlights and full-match replays.
Finally, here are some more handy links:
Manchester City have set their sights on Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, 23, as a replacement for the departing John Stones, 32, but the Toffees want £70m for the England defender. (Football Insider, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on who you would like Manchester City to keep, loan and sell from their squad this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Chris: Keep James Trafford. Superb keeper, just unlucky we signed Gianluigi Donnarumma. Sell - Savinho. Frustrating player who's too inconsistent. Loan out - Rico Lewis. Needs game time. Has potential in abundance, just needs a chance
Dave: Keep Josko Gvardiol. Those rumours are concerning when he's potentially the world's best centre-half. Loan Claudio Echeverri. He's stunted his own growth by not listening at the start of last season, heading to Bayer Leverkusen and needs another season elsewhere. And sadly, sell Nathan Ake. I think with the emergence of Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reiss returning and other established centre halves in the squad, it's a good time to move him and get a fee.
Tyler: Keep Trafford - the future of Manchester City and England. Homegrown talent and great with his feet, which Enzo Maresca (heavily rumoured to takeover of course) loves from a goalkeeper. Loan - Sverre Nypan, Divine Mukasa, Echeverri. All great talents of the CFG network, need real minutes on the pitch and game time to see what there level is. Sell - Savinho. Great talent but hasn't hit the ceiling for me, squandered a lot of goal opportunities last season, suits a team like Tottenham.
Eddie: Keep Rico Lewis - his versatility could make him useful next season. Could easily start at right back or in the midfield if he finds his form again. Loan out Trafford - game time could allow him to challenge for the number one spot at the start of the 2027-28 season. A season in the Bundesliga/at Girona in Spain would help him become a world-class option. Sell Savinho - been poor for his entire city stint - sell him to Chelsea while he is still worth anything.
Aileen: Keep Jack Grealish - just needs a chance in the team. Loan Tijjani Reijnders - not up to speed with the Premier League. Sell Savinho - lightweight.
Colin: Keep - Nico Gonzalez. He is improving when he plays and with uncertainty around Rodri, he could be very important. Loan - James Trafford. Probably selfish as I want him to stay, but unlikely with Donnarumma in front of him. Maybe a loan would be a good compromise. Sell - Savinho. Continues to underwhelm so if Tottenham want him then sell.
Manchester City and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, 24, has emerged as Jose Mourinho's preferred target to strengthen Real Madrid's defence. (Teamtalk), external
Barcelona will not match the financial packages being offered to Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, by Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, who are both keen on signing him when his contract expires at Manchester City at the end of June. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Real Madrid appear to be the favourites to sign Silva and are in advanced talks over personal terms. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the City players selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.
The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.
Manchester City's World Cup contingent:
Nathan Ake (Netherlands)
Rayan Cherki (France)
Ruben Dias (Portugal)
Jeremy Doku (Belgium)
Marc Guehi (England)
Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan)
Mateo Kovacic (Croatia)
Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
Matheus Nunes (Portugal)
Nico O'Reilly (England)
Tijjani Reijnders (Netherlands)
Rodri (Spain)
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
James Trafford (England)
This list doesn't include John Stones (England) and Bernardo Silva (Portugal), following their departures from the club.
Hit play above to hear BBC Radio Manchester's guide to the City players at the tournament or listen on BBC Sounds here
The above graphic is based on the 2025-26 Premier League clubs and squad lists
Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here
Read more about the World Cup squads in numbers
Find out more about how to follow the competition on the BBC
Change is inevitable at football clubs during the summer months and we want to ask you something specific about Manchester City's squad.
Tell us:
One player who should be kept who may be on the fringes and why?
One player who should be loaned out
One player who should be sold
We would love names and reasons for all three - get in touch with your views using this form.
Arsenal remain firmly in the hunt to sign Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United also interested in the 23-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Manchester City remain the frontrunners to sign Elliot Anderson despite Manchester United's efforts to steal a march on their rivals. (Star - subscription required), external
Atletico Madrid are hopeful of persuading former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva to join them instead of Barcelona or Real Madrid because they can offer the 31-year-old Portuguese more game time. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesYoung midfielder Divine Mukasa has extended his contract at Manchester City until 2030.
The 18-year-old joined City from West Ham in September 2023 and shone as the age group lifted the FA Youth Cup trophy at the end of the season.
He registered 42 goal involvements in 41 games the following season as City claimed the Under-18 Premier League North title.
Last season, he broke into Pep Guardiola's first team and made six appearances, providing an assist for Phil Foden on his debut in the Carabao Cup victory at Huddersfield Town.
He continued his development in the second half of the season on loan at Leicester City, as the Foxes were relegated to League One.
"I am really excited to see what the future has in store for me," said Mukasa.
"I have learned so much since the day I arrived at the club from players and staff alike. The experiences I have gained have definitely bettered me as a player and a person.
"With this said, I can only use the environment to continue to progress. My taste of first-team football at City earlier last season has only furthered my ambition to compete at the highest level."
Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City last week had an opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old England international tops City's list of midfield targets following the departure of captain Bernardo Silva, and sources say they are expected to make another bid.
City have long admired Anderson and will not be swayed from paying a significant fee, which could become a record fee for a British player.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is known to be a tough negotiator and is understood to want more than the £105m Arsenal paid to sign midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham in 2023.
Anderson is currently at the World Cup, but England boss Thomas Tuchel has said squad members will have permission to finalise transfers provided it does not significantly affect the team's preparations.
BBC Sport has previously reported Anderson is leaning towards a move to City over rivals Manchester United.
Manchester United remain intent on signing Elliot Anderson, with the club's executives optimistic they can beat Manchester City to the 23-year-old England midfielder, who is valued at about £100m by Nottingham Forest. (Guardian), external
However, Anderson is said to have expressed a desire to join City over United. (Talksport), external
Meanwhile, Manchester City are weighing up moves for 26-year-old Everton and Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye and Real Madrid's Brazil winger Rodrygo, 25. (Mail), external
Tottenham are advancing in talks over a deal worth about £60m for City winger Savinho. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Gvardiol agrees new deal until 2031. Manchester City. Audio, 9 minutes
City fans react to news that Josko Gvardiol has agreed a new contract at Manchester City.
Stones: 'I've been fit pretty much all season' Manchester City. Audio, 9 minutes
John Stones on his final season at Man City and England's World Cup opener with Croatia.
Man City World Cup Guide. Manchester City. Audio, 5 minutes
Mark Crossley has your guide to the Man City stars in action in the 2026 World Cup.
Guehi: 'Playing with John is a dream' Manchester City. Audio, 5 minutes
Man City defender Marc Guehi speaks ahead of England's final World Cup warm-up game.
