England manager Gareth Southgate told his Thursday press conference that he believes Chelsea-owned midfielder Conor Gallagher is “slightly ahead” of Liverpool star Curtis Jones. Gallagher is starring for Crystal Palace on loan.
Southgate picked his England side to take on Sweden and the Ivory Coast in friendlies towards the end of the month – and included Gallagher in the squad. The 22-year-old has made his England debut under Southgate.
It comes after shining under Patrick Vieira this season. Clocking up 29 appearances in all competitions, Gallagher has had a hand in 13 goals from midfield for the Eagles. Scoring eight times, he has also created five assists.
Southgate picked Gallagher, as well as the likes of Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham for his England side. It comes, despite the form of Curtis Jones of late. Southgate named the Liverpool ace, comparing him to Gallagher.
“Conor Gallagher is slightly ahead,” Southgate said – as per the Echo. “That’s an area where Curtis Jones is also emerging. There are some good attacking midfield players; good at pressing and look like they can score goals.”
Southgate on Jones, Gallagher: Liverpool ace needs regular minutes
While injury has limited Jones this season in terms of game time, so has Liverpool’s incredible midfield competition. Harvey Elliott, Thiago, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and more are competing with Jones.
It is so much harder for Jones to break into the Liverpool side on a regular basis – even when he is fit. A facial injury kept him sidelined for eight league games earlier this season. He has only started seven league matches.
So, perhaps Jones needs to take a leaf out of Gallagher’s book and go out on loan – or even move permanently, if he wants to break into Southgate’s World Cup squad before Qatar at the end of the year.
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