Jamie O’Hara has made a prediction about Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher following his international performance for England on Tuesday night against Slovenia.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 24, was called into England’s starting XI for the goalless draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024. Unfortunately, he lasted just 45 minutes before being substituted off at half-time.
Gareth Southgate’s England side have still managed to progress to the last-16 stage as Group C winners without getting anywhere near top gear yet.
There’s already been several different midfield combinations for the Three Lions at this Euros tournament. Surely, Gallagher has slipped down the pecking order after the contribution versus Slovenia.
Jamie O’Hara prediction on Chelsea player
TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara has suggested that Gallagher may have just played his final minutes at Euro 2024. He’s predicted that Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, who entered the action at half-time against Slovenia, will form the central midfield partnership alongside Declan Rice.
While speaking on talkSPORT’s live coverage of England vs Slovenia (9:15pm, 25 June), O’Hara said: “Kobbie Mainoo has made a massive difference since he came on. He has been very good in the second half, very good. I think we can say goodbye to Conor Gallagher in this tournament.”
Jason Cundy then added: “In this shape, definitely. You are not playing him in the position that he did. It’s not fair, mate, it’s not fair.”
Conor Gallagher has had a frustrating Euros so far
Gallagher has played in every England match so far at Euro 2024. He came off the bench against Serbia and Denmark, plus started this week’s draw with Serbia. However, it’s been a frustrating tournament for the Chelsea man so far.
It’s felt like a place in the England midfield has been up for grabs ever since Kalvin Phillips was dropped from the squad. Based on what’s happened at the Euros so far, Mainoo looks like he’s put together the strongest case to now nail down a starting position.
We do expect to see Gallagher on the pitch again if Southgate’s team go deep into the tournament. However, he’s not as suited for possession-based football as others and fits the role of an impact substitute to help off the ball.