Gareth Southgate says Conor Gallagher deserves England chance after great season with Crystal Palace
Daily MailGareth Southgate insists Conor Gallagher "deserves" his first England call-up after he was promoted from the Under-21 squad for Monday's World Cup qualifier in San Marino. Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw all withdrew from the squad set to travel to San Marino, with Gallagher added to Southgate's ranks. Gallagher will be hoping to make his England bow at the San Marino Stadium, where Southgate's side need only to avoid defeat to top Group I. England sit fifth in the FIFA rankings, 205 places ahead of their hosts - who are rock bottom below the likes of Guam and the British Virgin Islands. Gareth Southgate's men only need to avoid defeat against San Marino on Monday to qualify for the 2022 World Cup But Southgate does not intend to take the challenge lightly and hinted he could name a strong starting XI, with captain Harry Kane keen to be included after his hat-trick in Friday's 5-0 win over Albania took him within nine of Wayne Rooney's record tally of 53 England goals.