Chelsea manager Graham Potter backs Conor Gallagher to perform for England at the World Cup
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has backed Conor Gallagher to perform well for England at the FIFA World Cup later this month. The 22-year-old was a surprise inclusion by Gareth Southgate for the trip to Qatar.
Gallagher has four senior international caps to his name to date and was recently dropped to the Under-21 side for the last UEFA Nations League games in September.
However, the Cobham graduate still managed to get his name on the list and will now be travelling to Qatar to represent his country at the highest level in the game.
Potter is confident that the midfielder will be able to perform and will make an impression to all watching. Speaking to the club’s official website, the Chelsea boss backed his midfielder.
“It’s a wonderful experience for him and a wonderful opportunity. ‘I know he’ll grasp it with everything he has and make the most of it. He’ll definitely come back better for it. I don’t think he’ll say he’s surprised [at the call-up] because he’ll have belief in himself and his ability but he also has a humility where he knows it’s the England squad and it’s the World Cup.”
The 22-year-old started this season on the wrong foot, after having excelled on loan at Crystal Palace last season. However, after a few games, the England international seemed to regain his form and has been crucial to his side so far.
With N’Golo Kante on the sidelines since August, Gallagher has stepped up in his absence. The 22-year-old has played in 17 games so far this season in all competitions, scoring and assisting one goal in the process.
His goal-scoring threat has been very important for Potter this season. The gaffer praised that attribute of his and if he can deliver the final result, he could become one of the deadliest midfielders in the league.
“In another world he might have had a few goals for us because he’s had some good goalscoring opportunities. It’s sometimes the most difficult thing to get there but he does and could have had five Premier League goals.”
More Chelsea News:
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Gallagher is in contention to start the game against Newcastle United later today (12 November). The Magpies have been in excellent form this season and a win against them would serve as a major boost to all players departing for the World Cup.