England fans can't believe Conor Gallagher has made Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad

Gareth Southgate's decision to include Conor Gallagher in his 26-man England squad for this winter's World Cup has sparked plenty of debate online.

The 22-year-old, who enjoyed a productive loan spell at Crystal Palace last season, has played just 624 minutes for Chelsea since his highly-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge.

He struggled to break into Thomas Tuchel's side at the start of the campaign, but new boss Graham Potter has handed Gallagher more game time in recent weeks.

And clearly, England manager Gareth Southgate is a huge fan of the Epsom-born midfielder, who has four caps for the Three Lions after making his international debut in last year's 10-0 drubbing against San Marino.

Gallagher's inclusion over the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Ivan Toney has certainly raised eyebrows amongst fans.

Some feel he deserved to make the 26-man squad, while others believe the Chelsea midfielder hasn't played enough to justify his selection.

One fan commented on the news, saying: "How on earth has Conor Gallagher managed that then? Not sure how he’s beaten Ward-Prowse as a midfield option and Tomori and Toney also better options from a squad perspective."

Another wrote: "Did anyone have Gallagher in their drafts? Been woefully below the standard for Chelsea so far."

A third said: "Think Conor Gallagher is a little fortunate to make it on recent form. Six Premier League starts for Chelsea this season. Then again, there aren't a huge number of central midfield options and at just 22, it will be a great experience for a player with a bright future."

Some, of course, were encouraged by Gallagher's inclusion.

One fan said: "Are people actually debating why Conor Gallagher’s been picked over James Ward-Prowse? Aside from set pieces there’s nothing I’d say JWP is better at than Gallagher, and with Trippier in the squad there’s no need for JWP imo."

Another said: "Neutrals will laugh at Conor Gallagher being included, but he’s been brilliant since Potter’s come in & offers a lot of qualities that our other midfielders don’t have."

A third wrote: "Conor Gallagher is very underrated. Get him in the right environment and he can offer lots of invaluable midfield traits. His energy on and off the ball combined with his ability to attack the box from deep will offer England something different if they’re in need of a goal."

Your #ThreeLions squad for the @FIFAWorldCup! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/z6gVkRTlT3

— England (@England) November 10, 2022

Ahead of Thursday's announcement, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy backed Gallagher to be named in the England squad.

“I’ve not put Phillips in; I don’t see how you can… Gallagher I’d take ahead of Phillips. Legs, passion, get you a goal, and he’s playing,” Murphy told talkSPORT.

In his press conference after announcing the squad, Gareth Southgate also explained why Roma striker Tammy Abraham was left out.

He said: "He's had a poor run of scoring form at the wrong time. It's not a case where we're three or four weeks away from the finals, it's 10 days. Form could be really important."

Thoughts on Gallagher making the plane for this winter's World Cup?

Let us know in the comments.