Gareth Southgate has explained why opted for Conor Gallagher over James Ward-Prowse when selecting the England squad ahead of the World Cup. The Cobham graduate is one of three Chelsea players who will represent the Three Lions in Qatar later this month.
Gallagher has featured 17 times for the Blues across all competitions this season, directly contributing towards two goals. While he's impressed recently, the 22-year-old endured a tough start to the season.
First-team minutes were of the essence and a change of management didn't help the midfielder's cause, though he ploughed on and eventually forced his way into the west Londoners' plans. Despite this, eyebrows were raised when Gallagher was picked over Ward-Prowse, who is widely branded as one of Europe's best set-piece takers.
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Speaking to the press upon the announcement of the England squad, Southgate explained why he has picked the Chelsea midfielder over the Saints captain. The 52-year-old said: "With James [Ward-Prowse], he is really competing profile-wise with [Jude] Bellingham and [Jordan] Henderson, maybe to a lesser degree [Conor] Gallagher.
"I don’t see him in the same profile at [Declan] Rice or [Kalvin] Phillips, they are different types of players," the Three Lions boss added. "He is just behind those guys, frankly. It’s as simple as that.
"Now, we have still got another round of games to get through. I have spoken with a few of the players that things can still change over the weekend."
Speaking to the BBC, former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas delved deeper into why Gallagher was picked over Ward-Prowse. He said: "I had a feeling that Conor might sneak in there you know.
"I had a feeling, he’s a goal threat, he reminds me a lot of Lampard, and also he [Gareth Southgate] likes to promote from within. In that midfield area I can imagine he was deliberating between James Ward-Prowse, someone who is a bit more reliable, great set-piece taker but then, Gallagher just offers you something else.
"I think he’s a game changer. I think he’s that type of player you bring on, he’ll have an impact on the game. He presses, he gets himself in the box and creates chances, and also he’s won a World Cup, hasn’t he."
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