Connor Gallagher, who’s had an impressive start to the season with Crystal Palace, has received his first call-up for the national side from Gareth Southgate. After defeating Albania 5-0 in the first game of this international break, England will next face San Marino on Monday.
The Chelsea youngster who has been on loan at Palace this season, has made a stellar impression under Patrick Vieira and has scored four goals and assisted twice in the league already. He was instrumental in the side getting some big results this season, and has identified his great strengths brilliantly.
The 21-year-old spent 11 years with the Chelsea academy and made appearances for Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion in the lower divisions before making a move up to the Premier League with the Eagles. The young footballer has garnered great exposure in this period, and might soon be in consideration to play for the Blues.
With Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson Unavailable, Gallagher might get some minutes, or potentially a start as well. Southgate continues to implement his back three with two holding midfielders in the middle, but on occasions, he tends to shift to a more attacking line up.
England need just one point in this game to confirm their direct qualification to the FIFA 2022 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar. The Three Lions had defeated San Marino 5-0 in the reverse fixture, and are expected to win this one too, despite some notable absentees. Although there’s a small mathematical possibility for Poland to take over, England should ideally seal this fixture.
Raheem Sterling will be missing this final game of the qualification due to personal reasons, whilst Henderson and Grealish are back with their clubs for further assessments on their injuries. It is being reported that their aren’t serious ones and the decision to send them back are just precautionary.
The World Cup will start in the final week of November next year, in between the usual European footballing season. England, who made the semifinal of the last World Cup and final of the Euro, are desperate to go all the way next year in Qatar.
