Sky journalist Rob Dorsett has suggested that Gareth Southgate spoke to Conor Gallagher about his international future after England were knock out of the World Cup.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Dorsett explained that he was informed Southgate communicated to the players who played little to no part in Qatar in the aftermath of the quarter-final loss to France.
Southgate’s tenure as the Three Lions boss was almost instantly thrown up into the air following that 2-1 defeat on Saturday.
He has led the team to a World Cup semi-final and European Championship final in his six-years at the helm, yet the manager is reportedly debating whether to step aside.
However, Dorsett’s details of the conversation Southgate had with several of his England squad suggests he might not be finished quite yet.
“I’ve been told today of some conversations that Gareth Southgate has had with some England players which might hint that he is yet to decide and that there’s a possibility he could stay on until after Euro 2024, which is of course when his contract expires,” he said.
“I’ve been told that in the aftermath of England’s quarter-final defeat to France, Gareth Southgate spoke specifically to the players who didn’t feature much or not at all in this tournament, to reassure them they were still part of his plans going forward with England.”
Conor Gallagher is supported by Southgate
Whilst Gallagher’s name was not directly mentioned, it’s pretty safe to assume he was one of those addressed by Southgate.
The Chelsea midfielder did not accumulate a single minute of action at the World Cup, one of only four England outfielders to achieve the unwanted record.
Yet, the 22-year-old has already been provided evidence of being in Southgate’s scheme by heading to the global tournament in the first place.
James Ward-Prowse would’ve perhaps been the safer option to add midfield depth, but Gallagher got the nod from the boss instead.
If Southgate stays at St George’s Park, then surely so will the Chelsea academy graduate.
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