CONOR GALLAGHER has revealed he has asthma.
The England star, 24, has a reputation for being the fittest player in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
He denies that is the case – putting his non-stop energy down more to his mentality.
But when discussing the “engine” – his ability to get up and down the pitch relentlessly – he reckons he was born with, the midfielder also talked about his respiratory issue.
Speaking on FA show Lions’ Den, the Chelsea man said: “I think I was born with it (his engine), but funnily enough I’ve got asthma as well.
“It always shocks everyone to be fair.
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“I always give my best. I don’t think I’m fitter than everyone else. I would say there are a lot of lads fitter than me in the squad.”
Asked if it was his mindset, rather than his physical endurance capacity, that made him such a fit player, Gallagher replied: “That’s what it is.
“I leave it all on the pitch but believe me I’m knackered at the end of it.”
Former England midfielder Paul Scholes famously had asthma, a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways in the lungs which requires an inhaler to help with breathing.
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Meanwhile, Gallagher might soon have an even more strenuous role – if he earns a starting place for Tuesday’s final group game with Slovenia.
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There have been calls for Southgate to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with a more orthodox midfielder.
That could mean Crystal Palace’s technically-skilled Adam Wharton.
But Gallagher and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo are the options most talked about.
Former England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is amongst those who agree.
The pundit posted on X: “England have to sacrifice quality in Trent & Foden for energy in Gallagher or Mainoo & pace in (Anthony) Gordon.
“Kane needs pace either side of him & (Declan) Rice needs more help in midfield. Go 433 & drop (Jude) Bellingham slightly deeper.”
Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
