Palace Gallagher midfielder wins England squad, five players drop out.
Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher has been rewarded for his performances in the Premier League this season with a first call-up from England ahead of his final World Cup qualifying match against San Marino, the team announced on Sunday.
Gallagher, on loan from Chelsea, has been the Palace’s standout player this season with four goals and two assists to help the London club climb to 10th place in the standings.
“I am very happy and excited to be called up to the senior team. I am determined to make the most of the experience and I know I have a lot of work to do,” said Gallagher, 21, who has 36 games for England’s youth teams.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in my career thus far and I will do my best to make them proud.”
England said Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish have returned to their respective clubs to be evaluated for their injuries, while Raheem Sterling will not travel to San Marino due to personal matters.
Mason Mount and Luke Shaw, who was called up, will also not travel while recovering from dental surgery and a concussion, respectively.
England top Group I and need only one point from their last match on Monday to guarantee automatic qualification for the World Cup in Qatar next year.