Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher got his first start of Euro 2024 on Tuesday night, but he was substituted off after just 45 minutes of action against Slovenia.
England were held to a 0-0 draw yesterday by Slovenia at the Euros. However, the Three Lions have still managed to top Group C and will now wait to see their opponents for the last-16 phase of the tournament.
Conor Gallagher, 24, came off the bench as a substitute in England’s opening two group stage matches. The Blues star was then rewarded on Tuesday with a promotion to the starting XI.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t make the desired impact in the centre of the park versus Slovenia and was withdrawn by Gareth Southgate at half-time.
Like always, England’s performance was judged up and down the country by supporters, pundits and the general media.
Gallagher has received a fair bit of criticism from the national media for his contribution in the first-half against Slovenia. For what it’s worth, he’s not the only central midfielder to struggle under Southgate and it’s not a reflection of his overall ability.
Sky Sports wrote: “Conor Gallagher – 5/10. Sloppy. Lost the ball more times than he retained it, but was, at least, aggressive and combative out of possession. Hooked at half-time does not exactly scream positivity, though.”
The Guardian posted: “Conor Gallagher – 4/10. In for Trent Alexander-Arnold, too careless in possession. Hid from the ball. Taken off at half-time.”
The Sun claimed: “Conor Gallagher – 4/10. Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.”
Conor Gallagher match statistics
FotMob data has provided the individual statistics from Gallagher’s England latest performance.
- Match rating – 5.9
- Minutes played – 45
- Total shots – 0
- Touches in opposition box – 0
- Successful dribbles – 0
- Accurate passes – 17/20 (85%)
- Passes into final third – 2
- Recoveries – 1
- Clearances – 1
- Duels won – 2
- Duels lost – 2
The Chelsea Chronicle would be very surprised to see Gallagher back in the starting line-up during the rest of this Euros tournament. Instead, he’s more suited to an impact role to add energy with the way Southgate is setting his team up.
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