Darren Bent claims 23-year-old Chelsea player should play alongside Jude Bellingham for England

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Darren Bent has shared whether he thinks Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher should start for England.

Conor Gallagher has been in excellent form this season and has been included in Gareth Southgate’s latest Three Lions squad.

And it is fair to say that the 23-year-old has caught the attention of Darren Bent, who has been speaking about him on the social media platform X.

Gallagher has been an ever-present for Chelsea this term, starting in all 12 of their Premier League games so far.

What has Darren Bent said about Conor Gallagher and England?

Bent would like to see Gallagher in a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, though the latter has had to pull out of the England squad because of injury.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker posted on X: “I’m starting to think Rice, Bellingham, Gallagher England midfield 3, Gallagher has been outstanding under Poch!! Knowing Gareth likes two holders, think Gallagher could be a better option.”

Should Conor Gallagher start for England?

Right now, absolutely, and there could be room for him in the starting XI for the games against Malta and North Macedonia after Bellingham’s withdrawal.

Gallagher has been one of Chelsea’s standout players in the current campaign. He actually has the most Premier League assists in Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad, managing four.

What the Argentine probably truly appreciates about the England international, though, is his ability to win back possession.

According to WhoScored, he is making the most interceptions per game at Chelsea this season, 1.6.

We think it would be criminal if Southgate chose a player like Jordan Henderson or Kalvin Phillips over him. The former is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, which is obviously not the strongest division in world football, while the latter is not playing at all.

Ultimately, if Gallagher, who has been described as a “top talent” by Alan Pardew maintains his form, then he has to be in contention to start alongside Rice and Bellingham going forward.