Like always, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate is under real scrutiny and pressure when it comes to choosing a starting line-up.

We’re interested to see how many Chelsea players make England’s final 23-man squad next summer. Conor Gallagher, 23, has been a squad regular for several camps now, so we’re guessing his spot on the plane is secure. It’s a very different proposition trying to get into the starting XI, though.

Elsewhere, Blues stars Levi Colwill, Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling will all be discussed by international fans prior to the final squad selection.

Roy Keane puts down Chelsea man

Roy Keane doesn’t think Gallagher is at the level required to be in England’s starting line-up at a major international tournament.

When discussing who could play in England’s midfield next to Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice at Euro 2024, Gary Neville said on The Overlap: “The other one (option) is Conor Gallagher, who’s obviously played, but he’s a runner.

Keane responded: “No, I don’t think he’s good enough.”

Conor Gallagher can still improve

We’d probably agree that Gallagher’s not quite yet in England’s best XI, but let’s give him huge credit for making himself a regular in the international scene.

We’re still confident that the energetic box-to-box midfielder could be a great weapon off the bench for Southgate. Speaking via The Times last month, Southgate described Gallagher as the Premier League’s best at pressing without the ball.

There’s still areas of the Chelsea star’s game he can improve, mainly technique and final decision on the ball. However, his absence through suspension was hugely noticeable in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in midweek.

He’s still an unsung hero in some ways because not everyone appreciates his contribution on a football pitch.