Rio Ferdinand has reacted to the news that Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has earned an England call-up for the World Cup in Qatar.
Gallagher, who has four senior caps for England, was involved with the Under-21s team during the previous set of international games.
However, the 22-year-old Blues player has done enough to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s main group on the eve of a major tournament.
The box-to-box midfielder is involved in a 26-man England group that will have ambitions to do well out in Qatar.
Conor Gallagher call-up
Ferdinand has reacted to Gallagher’s inclusion at the World Cup by describing it as “some journey”.
He’s highlighted the Chelsea youngster hasn’t been a regular starter so far this season for his club, starting just four Premier League games.
However, the energetic attacking midfielder has still made 17 appearances across all competitions this campaign.
Ferdinand said on YouTube: “Conor Gallagher hasn’t been a regular at Chelsea… Where he’s come from, last season on loan at Palace, people were saying he should probably leave Chelsea because ‘he’s not going to get a chance.’ The management changes; all of a sudden, he’s in and around the team now at Chelsea, and he’s on the trip now to a World Cup. It’s some journey that.”
Perhaps Gallagher’s impact off the bench can be a real weapon for England, something he’s done a couple of times quite well this season for Chelsea.
He obviously wants to be starting games regularly for his club and becoming a key player at Stamford Bridge. However, this is his first season as a senior player with the Blues after numerous impressive spells out on loan.
He should now feel that his decision to stay and fight for his Chelsea spot this season was vindicated by an England call-up.
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