Paul Merson ‘shocked’ Gareth Southgate snubbed in-form Conor Gallagher for England

"I don’t think he could have done any more to earn a call-up."

Paul Merson believes that Conor Gallagher has been 'one of the best players in the country' so far this season and 'deserves' a place in the senior England squad. The 21-year-old has been in impressive form this season, contributing four goals and two assists in 10 Premier League games - helping Crystal Palace to 10th in the table. Although the Chelsea academy graduate has been in good form - having scored an important goal for the Eagles against Wolves last weekend - he failed to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino. Instead, Gallagher remained with the Under-21s and featured for 89 minutes as Lee Carsley's side secured a 3-1 victory against Czech Republic on Thursday. Prior to England's 5-0 thrashing of Albania on Friday, Southgate acknowledged the youngster's strong start to the campaign, but insisted that he already has plenty of depth already in his squad. 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.