Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has been used as a substitute in both of England’s opening two matches at Euro 2024, so is he any closer to breaking into the starting line-up?
Jamie Carragher has now shared whether or not he would start Conor Gallagher when England play Slovenia on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions kicked off their group stages with a 1-0 win over Serbia. This was followed up by Thursday night’s underwhelming 1-1 draw against Denmark, though.
Gallagher, 24, replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield just 10 minutes into the second half against Denmark yesterday.
There’s no doubt that international manager Gareth Southgate is desperately trying to find the right balance in the centre of the park.
Jamie Carragher verdict on Conor Gallagher
Carragher has explained why he’s keen for England to make changes to their line-up at the Euros.
In particular, he suggests in a change of shape, which would include Chelsea’s Gallagher promoted into the XI.
Carragher wrote for The Telegraph: “In a 4-3-3, Bellingham will drop deeper to assist Rice, and then it is a choice between the remaining midfielders. There are some suggesting Foden should stay in the side with Bellingham deeper. That would not change anything tactically.
“It has to be a midfielder who will bring energy across the pitch, such as Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton or Kobbie Mainoo. That is not a negative move; it is an essential one.
“… Another midfielder alongside Rice will still enable Bellingham to play as an advancing No 8 when we have the ball. The side would look more balanced. It will also help the player and team for Bellingham to have a more disciplined role defensively.”
Carragher then went on to name his England XI for Tuesday night’s clash against Slovenia, which included Chelsea star Gallagher.
Jamie Carragher’s England team to play Slovenia
Jordan Pickford
Kyle Walker John Stones Marc Guehi Kieran Trippier
Conor Gallagher Declan Rice Jude Bellingham
Bukayo Saka Harry Kane Anthony Gordon
Two Chelsea players should be in contention
There’s only two Chelsea representatives in the England camp for this major tournament, but both should have a good chance of coming into a side lacking any rhythm.
First of all, Gallagher is clearly someone on the manager’s radar because he’s been a second-half substitute twice already in the tournament.
We don’t think we’ve seen the best of the box-to-box midfielder yet, but perhaps he can have a greater role from the start. He’ll certainly add a bit more discipline and energy in the centre of the park.
Meanwhile, Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer is desperately unlucky not to get a minute in either of England’s two games so far.
The 22-year-old attacker can surely add the type of creativity that the team is crying out for.