
Sport

Share
13th November 2021
04:26pm GMT

The Three Lions manager's decision to leave Gallagher out has 'shocked' Arsenal legend Paul Merson, who believes the midfielder was 'unlucky' not to make the cut.
"Conor Gallagher should be in the England squad and it’s shocked me that Gareth Southgate has snubbed him," Merson told the Daily Star.
"He’s been one of the best players in the country this season for Crystal Palace and I don’t think he could have done any more to earn a call-up.
"Chelsea loanee Gallagher deserves to be in there and if he hasn’t got a call-up up now I don’t know how he ever will.
"He affects games every single time he plays and he’s completely and utterly on top of his game. I think he’s really unlucky."
Merson also suggested that Southgate could've sent a positive 'message' to young English players if he would've picked the Chelsea loanee. He said: "Southgate could have picked him and sent a message to every young English player that if you’re playing well you will get a chance."But he hasn’t, and that sends the wrong message for me – especially as people like Declan Rice have pulled out."
Gallagher is likely to feature for the Young Lions again when they travel to Georgia on Tuesday night in an Under-21 International Friendly.
Related links:Explore more on these topics: