World Cup

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher ready to fight for World Cup spot

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 24 September 2022

Chelsea's Gallagher ready to fight for World Cup spot

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher reveals that he has already spoken to England boss Gareth Southgate about what he needs to do in order to make his World Cup squad.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has spoken of his motivation to earn a recall to the England squad for the World Cup.

Having impressed throughout his season-long loan spell with Crystal Palace during 2021-22, Gallagher earned his first appearances for the Three Lions.

However, the 22-year-old was a notable absentee from the crop of players which Southgate named for the UEFA Nations League double-header with Italy and Germany.

Instead, Gallagher was selected in the England Under-21s squad and impressed as the Young Lions defeated Italy on away territory earlier this week.

With England having under-performed yet again on Friday night, losing 1-0 to the Azzurri in Milan, it may be perceived that Gallagher's chances of being selected for Qatar have improved significantly.

Conor Gallagher in action for Chelsea on August 6, 2022 © Reuters

Nevertheless, Gallagher says that Southgate has already specifically stated what he needs to do in order to return to the senior fold.

As quoted by the Daily Mail, Gallagher said: "Obviously you can say it was difficult that I wasn't part of the squad in this camp, but I took it on the chin. Gareth spoke to me and said what I need to do to give myself the best chance to get in the squad.

"It was the things that you would expect. Just regular football, performing well consistently, those are the most important things.

"I'm very happy and thankful that he said that. I'm going to work as hard as I can and try to impress him to give myself the biggest chance."

Conor Gallagher in action for Chelsea on August 14, 2022 © Reuters

Gallagher has endured an eventful start to life as a first-team Chelsea player, even if he has only made three starts and three substitute outings.

A sending off for two yellow cards after just 28 minutes against Leicester City followed his ineffective performance during his first start in the 3-0 defeat at Leeds United.

Gallagher enjoyed a marginally better outing in the win over West Ham United, but he was only introduced for the remaining nine minutes of Graham Potter's first game in charge against Red Bull Salzburg on September 14.

The academy graduate is expected to feature for England Under-21s against Germany Under-21s on Tuesday evening before looking to represent Chelsea against former club Palace on October 1.