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Gareth Southgate’s squad selection for Qatar 2022 raised quite a few eyebrows. There were surprises across the pitch, including for those selected to make the trip.
Alongside Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher also got the invite for FIFA’s quadrennial competition. Sterling and Mount were sure to get the call and Gallagher himself admitted that he didn’t expect it.
The footballing extravaganza in the Gulf nation will allow Gallagher to improve on his four appearances for the Three Lions. He has impressed at Stamford Bridge this season, making 18 appearances across all competitions.
Thanks to his performances under Patrick Viera at Crystal Palace, Gallagher forced his way first into Thomas Tuchel’s plans and is becoming an ever-present figure under Graham Potter.
It was always going to be tough for the 22-year-old, who decided to take his chances at Chelsea but was advised to find first-team minutes elsewhere. After proving his detractors wrong, the Epsom native now wants to become a mainstay in Southgate’s plans.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect it,” the Chelsea academy graduate remarked. “I don’t know about percentages. I’m not great at maths. I didn’t really expect it. Obviously, I was hoping there was a chance. I kept hoping, and when I got the text, I was so proud and honoured.
“I told my dad first, like always. He’d always be the first person I’d tell that amazing news to. He’s my biggest fan and my biggest inspiration.”
“A lot of people said I was at a team where I played week in, week out, and I would have had more of a chance,” Gallagher said, alluding to his time at Crystal Palace on loan. “[They also said] maybe I haven’t played as much football as I’d like, but I am at Chelsea, which is my dream club, the team I always wanted to play for
"We're very lucky and fortunate to be able to stay here for the World Cup." 🙌
Conor Gallagher gives us a behind-the-scenes insight into life inside the #ThreeLions camp:
— England (@England) November 19, 2022
“I am trying to prove myself there and impress the manager as much as I can. Luckily enough, I was called up for the World Cup is a great feeling. All focus now is on here and training as hard as we can to get ready for the games.”
Gallagher’s ball pressing made the difference
While the Chelsea man may question his own decisions and abilities, he had more than made an impact on Gareth Southgate. The England boss was pleased with his energetic displays in the middle of the park and was impressed with his goalscoring threat.
In addition to his performances on the pitch, Gallagher’s antics off it also worked in his favour. Southgate highlighted the 22-year-old’s maturity at being left out of the squad earlier and hailed his mentality that made the difference.
“He is fantastic at pressing the ball, and there will be moments when we need certain attributes,” the 52-year-old said. “We feel he can be that sort of player, not as experienced, but he has an impact and a goal threat.
“When you talk about the midfield, you look to score and create and does a bit of all of that. We were really pleased with his reaction to being left out when he went with the U21s.
“His mentality was excellent,” Southgate added. “It is a great example that there is always a route back with us.”
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