Conor Gallagher’s World Cup chances will not be dented if he returns to Chelsea in the summer.
Gareth Southgate has backed the on-loan Crystal Palace midfielder to take on a starring role at Stamford Bridge, which will boost his chances of making England’s squad for Qatar.
Thomas Tuchel plans to recall the 22-year-old, who has been one of the Premier League’s stand-out performers this season. He will be thrust into Chelsea’s first-team squad and given the chance to challenge N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic for a regular starting role.
But there is also the danger that the intense competition for places at the European champions could see him pushed onto the sidelines, which would be a blow to his hopes of making an impression on Southgate ahead of the World Cup in November.
However, the England manager is adamant Gallagher will thrive under Tuchel. “In the end we have to pick and react off what we see at club level and Conor’s experiences at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Crystal Palace have been brilliant for him,” he said. “So if he goes somewhere else next season or stays at Chelsea, I’m sure he’ll keep developing.
“He’s got a fabulous mindset, which is the key. He’s a player that will maximise his potential because of his mentality.
“He looks like one of those who, whatever hurdles are in front of him, he’s going to break them down. I’d be very optimistic about how he would respond to any decision that is made.”
Tuchel and his scouting team have watched Gallagher closely this season and believe he could provide cover for Kante next term. They have been so impressed that his impending return could convince them to opt against a move for long-term target Declan Rice.
Tuchel believes Gallagher has the energy to add another dimension to his midfield, while his footballing intelligence has also been noted.
Gallagher was handed his first England start in the 2-1 win against Switzerland on Saturday and set up Luke Shaw’s first-half equaliser.
Against Ivory Coast tonight, another emerging midfield talent in Jude Bellingham is likely to start. Southgate believes the 18-year-old is another destined to be a key figure for his country, but Gallagher could have the edge because of his Premier League experience, whereas Bellingham plays in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.
“[Bellingham] is developing exceptionally well for a player of his age,” said Southgate. “He is being asked to play in a number of different positions this year. He has different tactical challenges to deal with.
“The [Bundesliga] is a brilliant league for young players and coaches to develop, but the standard of the Premier League is undoubtedly higher.
“I think we see that in the European competitions. Our top teams are going to be right at the end of the Champions League every year. The financial power of our league is blowing everyone else out of the water, so our big teams are going to be the main players.
“We’ve talked to him about his game this week. There are things, understandably for any player, for him to work on and some specifics we are looking for from him. But he is very coachable, wants to learn and is highly motivated.
“He is already getting brilliant experiences with club and European football already, so he’ll be involved in the game and it will be good to see how he does.”
