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‘It is not nice’… Conor Gallagher shares what Gareth Southgate did before taking him off in Euro 2024 game

thechelseachronicle.com 3 days ago

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been discussing his substitution in England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024.

Conor Gallagher started the match after being left out of England’s first XI for their first two group stage games against Serbia and Denmark.

However, the 24-year-old was not able to make much of an impact and was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo at half-time.

Gallagher now faces a tough task getting back into the team, with Mainoo getting the nod over him the following match.

England take on Switzerland on Friday in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England, interacts with Conor Gallagher of England after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and En...
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Conor Gallagher on substitution in England vs Slovenia

Gallagher has admitted that it did not feel nice being taken off in the Three Lions’ draw with Slovenia.

However, the Chelsea star has revealed that Gareth Southgate informed him of his decision before letting the rest of the team know, which made it much easier to take.

In an interview with talkSPORT, Gallagher said: “Obviously, it is not nice and you want to play as much as possible. Getting an opportunity to start a game for England at a major tournament is incredible and I was really excited.

“But it was a really difficult game, I don’t think we were playing particularly great. We weren’t really creating any chances. I understand the manager wanted to change a couple of things tactically and bringing on Kobbie to come a little deeper and pick up the ball, completely understandable.

“What is great about the manager is that he came and told me before he told the team so I knew and it was fine.”

Who should start for England against Switzerland, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher or Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo?

Southgate will be pleased with Mainoo’s contribution in the win versus Slovakia.

Mainoo is still only 19 and this is his first international tournament, yet he did not look fazed at all.

According to WhoScored, the United star made 65 passes, the fifth most in the game, made one tackle and completed one dribble.

Again, for a teenager, it was a promising performance.

Ultimately, if it comes down to a choice between Gallagher and Mainoo, the latter probably deserves to get the nod after his contribution in the last 16.

Gallagher, though, can be a good option off the bench, especially late in the game when England need fresh legs.

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