Imposter syndrome is not a problem for Conor Gallagher any more. The Chelsea midfielder, who was as surprised as anyone when he was named in England’s squad at the World Cup last year, no longer feels out of place for club and country.
A year ago Gallagher was telling journalists he had not expected to go to the World Cup. It was a comment indicative of a player short of continuity and self‑belief; a player weighed down by all the chopping and changing at Chelsea.
How things change. Gallagher has become a key figure for Chelsea, starting 14 times in 15 games this season, and has worn the captain’s armband when Reece James and Ben Chilwell have been missing. Strengthened by Mauricio Pochettino’s backing, the 23‑year‑old exudes authority. Gallagher, who has won the ball more than any other player in Europe’s top seven leagues this season, towered over a floored Rodri towards the end of Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with Manchester City last Sunday, and he believes the self‑doubt has gone.
“That’s not the case any more,” Gallagher said at England’s St George’s Park training base on Tuesday. “After the World Cup squad was announced, I wasn’t playing much for Chelsea and we were going through a tough period, so that’s why I said that in an interview. But I’m very confident in my ability. Training and playing alongside midfielders worth 100‑plus million pounds is good and shows where I’m at.”
Gallagher, who could start when England host Malta in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday, looked at ease with himself. He was not afraid of admitting that he could have left Chelsea last summer. Bayern Munich, Tottenham and West Ham were interested in Gallagher, whose place was under threat after the arrivals of Enzo Fernández for £106.8m, Moisés Caicedo for £115m and Roméo Lavia for £58m.
“It’s what comes with being at a top club like Chelsea,” Gallagher said. “In a way I was excited. But I needed to make sure I was ready to show the manager I was still good enough to play in this team.”
Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill are the latest players to withdraw from England's squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. Bellingham and Colwill sat out their games with Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively over the weekend with shoulder problems.
"The pair arrived at St George's Park for assessments on Monday but will now return to their clubs to continue their rehabilitation," the FA said. "Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips will meet up later this week owing to personal matters."
Their withdrawals follow those of James Maddison, Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk. On Monday Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer were called up but Gareth Southgate will not bring in any other players.
Was he worried about his future? “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t. When top players come in your position, you think you have less of a chance of playing. It makes you even more determined to prove you are good enough. I think I have done that this season.”
Gallagher, who has had loan spells at Crystal Palace, Charlton and Swansea, was outstanding against City. He has four assists in the league this season and is eager to sort out his future. His deal expires in the summer of 2025 and Chelsea prefer to cash in on players heading towards the final year of their contracts. “I’m sure that will get sorted out,” Gallagher said.
“Everyone knows Chelsea is my club and I love playing for them. The fans are brilliant and I’m loving it right now. I’m sure it will get itself sorted out.”
It helps that Pochettino wants to utilise Gallagher’s energy and pressing. He has thrived in a more advanced role, linking well with Caicedo and Fernández, and is benefiting from regular football. “Going into games half-expecting to be starting is a good feeling,” Gallagher said. “I am mentally more relaxed and ready to perform.
“Last season it was not really knowing if I was starting or not, not really sure what was going on, what team we were going for, because of the number of players we have. Coming here I feel more relaxed, more into the squad. Hopefully I can play more for England and be a bigger part of the squad.”
Gallagher, who did not feature at the World Cup, started England’s victory against Australia last month. There is a place up for grabs in Gareth Southgate’s midfield. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are certain starters but who fills the third slot at the European Championship next summer? Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kalvin Phillips have their hands up but Gallagher is pushing.
Gallagher feels at home at Chelsea. He agrees that Pochettino is getting the best out of him by moving him higher up the pitch. Gallagher is enjoying playing for Pochettino. The Argentinian has connected with him, speaking to him about life. Gallagher thinks back to whether he could have left Chelsea. “It was a crazy period in terms of ins and outs,” he said. “I had conversations with the manager and he expressed that he liked me as a player and I was in his plans. I was really happy.”
No wonder. Gallagher is from a family of Chelsea fans and is a product of the club’s academy. While Chelsea have bolstered their financial fair play position by selling homegrown players during the past 12 months, supporters do not want to see Gallagher leave. He is proving people wrong. He is proving something to himself.
