SHOCKED CON’S VOW

CONOR GALLAGHER admits he was “surprised” to be included in England’s squad after his earlyseason struggles with Chelsea.

And he hopes the World Cup break can help turn things around for himself and his struggling club.

Gallagher (right) said: “I didn’t expect it. Obviously, I was hoping there was a chance but I was a little bit surprised. I’ve not played consistent football with Chelsea and, as a team, Chelsea have not played great this season – we’ve definitely got a lot to improve and I am sure we will.”

Gallagher made his seventh Premier League start of the season in Chelsea’s last game before Qatar 2022, a defeat at Newcastle that left them eighth and boss Graham Potter under increasing pressure. But Gallagher is backing Potter to turn things around, saying: “The World Cup break did come at a good time.

“It is never just a smooth road. With the other teams that started their journey, for example Arteta at Arsenal and Klopp at Liverpool, they weren’t that best team straight away.

“They start that journey and that’s what Graham Potter is on with us as well.”