Jack Wilshere has lashed out on Gareth Southgate’s decision to substitute Conor Gallagher off at half-time in England’s stalemate against Slovenia in the 2024 Euros.
Last night, the Three Lions emerged winners of Group C and advanced to the last 16 of Euro 2024, but only after putting up another lackluster performance.
Before the game, Southgate made one change to his starting lineup. He brought Conor Gallagher into his midfield. Ending his experimentation with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the middle of the park.
However, the Chelsea star was only on the field for 45 minutes until Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo took his place at the beginning of the second half.
Man of the match in the FA Cup final, Mainoo made his debut for his nation in a major tournament, and he performed admirably.
According to The Metro, Wilshere is certain that the teenager showed enough to be ready to start alongside Declan Rice for England in their upcoming match. But he worries that Gallagher’s confidence might have been hampered by the decision to take him off the field at halftime.
The former Arsenal star told The Sun: ‘Kobbie Mainoo was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield.
“I think he showed why in the second half tonight. But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.
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“Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament. And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.
“It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure. He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.”
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