CONOR GALLAGHER has been likened to the legendary Frank Lampard and hailed as a “game-changer” by Jermaine Jenas.
Gareth Southgate named his 26-man England World Cup squad on Thursday.
And the 22-year-old will be on the plane to Qatar next week after he was included by the Three Lions boss.
Gallagher has forced his way into the first-team set-up at Chelsea this term after impressing on loan at both West Brom and Crystal Palace in recent times.
He scored eight goals in the Premier League last term with the Eagles and is already off the mark for the Blues.
The attacking midfielder earned his first England cap last year and has added a further three since.
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However, he was demoted to the U21 set-up during the last international break and was left sweating on his place for the showpiece in the MIddle East.
But ex-England international Jenas, 39, believes he got the nod as he possesses similar traits to Chelsea and England icon Lampard.
Speaking to BBC MOTD, Jenas said: “I had a feeling that he might sneak in there you know. I had a feeling, he’s a goal threat.
“He reminds me a lot of Lampard and also he [Gareth Southgate] likes to promote from within.
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“In that midfield area I can imagine he was deliberating between James Ward-Prowse, someone who is a bit more reliable and a great set-piece taker but then Gallagher just offers you something else.
“I think he is a game-changer aswell Conor Gallagher. He’s the type of player that you bring on and he has an impact on the game.
“He presses, gets himself in the box and creates chances.
“Also, he’s won a World Cup. He was part of the U17 World Cup-winning side so he understands tournament football and I’m pleased for Conor.”
Lampard scored 29 times in 106 caps for his country.
England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday, November 21 in Group B.
Next up is a clash against Gregg Berhalter’s USA, with the mouth-watering clash against near-neighbours Wales the final game on November 29.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
