Former England manager Roy Hodgson has claimed to Sky Sports that he is happy that Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher was called up to the national team squad for the World Cup.
The Blues midfielder was not one of the favourites to make the squad before Gareth Southgate made his announcement today.
After a great loan spell with Crystal Palace last season, it took a while for Gallagher to show what he can do for Chelsea.
He seemed to be victim of Thomas Tuchel’s system earlier this season, with there not really being a position for him.
However, he has looked far stronger since Graham Potter took over at Stamford Bridge.
Hodgson has been left delighted with the call to bring Gallagher into the setup, saying some of his qualities are unique compared to other midfield options.
Hodgson happy for Gallagher
He said: “Yes, I think so [I’d have taken him]. When it comes to Gallagher that type of energy and all action midfield player, he’s almost like in his season at Palace, they were playing with 12 men.
“One minute he was pressuring people and winning it off the centre-back and then he’s clearing balls off the line at the other end. That’s a skill.
“He will give you something different to the tried and tested ones.”
Gallagher will be joining fellow Chelsea players Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount in the squad that travels to Qatar later this month.
Mount has already claimed how important playing for his country at the World Cup is, saying he will bury his shirt forever if the Three Lions win the competition.
Gallagher will be hoping to add to his handful of England caps this winter, with the opportunity to impress Southgate one that could give a boost to his club form when he returns after the break.
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