CONOR PLEDGE TO MAKE BIG CHANCE COUNT
MIDFIELDER Conor Gallagher feels he was lucky to make England’s World Cup squad.
But the Chelsea star has no intention of being a tourist on the trip to Qatar 2022 and will not treat it as a holiday.
Gallagher was lying on a physio bed when he received a text telling him he was in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
He feared he would not make the cut due to his club form having been average in recent weeks.
But the good fortune of being on the plane to Doha has made Gallagher determined to make a big impact if he can.
He said: “To be honest, I didn’t expect it. I don’t know about percentages, I’m not great at maths.
“Obviously I was hoping there was a chance. I kept hoping, and when I got the text I was so proud and honoured. 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.
“But I am very grateful and honoured that the England manager has belief in me.
“Over half the boys are not going to be starting and people are going to be disappointed, but they’ve drummed it into our heads straight away that no matter what, you’ve got to always train 100 per cent and encourage each other.
“If you’re on the bench, if you’re starting, whatever, you’ve got to be there for each other and help each other – because that’s how we’re going to win a tournament.
“That’s how important that is.”