'I wasn't good enough' - Chelsea star Conor Gallagher reveals how he was rejected by Scotland as a teenager

The 24-year-old footballer, who has Scottish ancestry through his maternal grandfather, had an uncertain start to his youth career as he was rejected by both England and Scotland. Nonetheless, he persevered and has since carved out a name for himself in the English international setup.

"My dad’s side is Irish and my mum’s dad is Scottish," Gallagher shared. "When I was 15 or 16, I wasn’t good enough to play for the England youth team, so I think I went to train with one of the Scotland teams to see what I was like, and I wasn’t good enough for them either. I managed to work my way back into the England youth setup and was lucky enough to stay in it".

Despite his earlier setbacks, Gallagher now finds himself part of Gareth Southgate’s team, preparing for Euro 2024. Amid his busy schedule, he will still eke out time and watch the tournament opener which will involve hosts Germany and Scotland - especially to root for The Tartan Army.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Gallagher said. “It’s a great opening game for the tournament and I’m sure all the lads will be watching. It’s a massive game, two great teams. Germany are obviously a top team and I know Scotland will make it hard for them. It will be an interesting game.”

Gallagher's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. He was in the Three Lions squad for the 2022 World Cup but did not get a chance to play. However, on the back of an impressive season at Stamford Bridge, he will be hoping for more involvement in England's quest for glory. He will probably be fielded in a deeper role and the midfielder remains focused on delivering the goods regardless of his position on the pitch.

“I’m always ready to play in whatever position. I don’t mind if it’s more attacking or defensive – I can do both, which is a good thing," he said.

“There are a lot more talented attacking players than myself. If I was to choose to take on three players and have a shot, or pass to Phil Foden or Jude, I’d probably pass to them.”

Southgate must decide who he wants in midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice against Serbia on June 16. It is a fight between Gallagher and Trent Alexander-Arnold and even if the Liverpool star gets to start - the Blues midfielder will have to be ready to make an impression as a super sub - if introduced in the latter stages of the match.