Bayern Munich gaffer Thomas Tuchel has dished a fascinating inside track on England's Euro 2024 prospects, singling out one particular Three Lions star he absolutely cherished working with during his Stamford Bridge tenure.
The German tactician, who's now steering the ship at the Bundesliga titans, didn't hold back his admiration for midfielder Conor Gallagher, a player he knows intimately from their shared time in West London.
Praise for a Former Blue
"I got the pleasure of managing Conor at Chelsea," Tuchel revealed with genuine warmth. "Since his academy days, I was a huge fan. His passion is incredible – he represents the Chelsea DNA perfectly with his energy, his relentless pressing, and his sheer hunger. He's one of those players everyone in the squad loves because he gives absolutely everything, every single day."
This glowing endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for Gallagher, whose stellar season at Crystal Palace has catapulted him right into Gareth Southgate's plans for the tournament in Germany.
Analysing England's Euro Hopes
Looking beyond individual players, Tuchel also weighed in on the monumental pressure facing the England national team. He pinpointed their star-studded attacking lineup as both their greatest strength and their most significant challenge.
"The big question for England is how to structure the team around so many exceptional offensive talents," he analysed. "You have Harry Kane, one of the world's best strikers, and then an embarrassment of riches behind him with Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham. It's a puzzle, but what a fantastic puzzle to have."
Tuchel emphasised that finding the right tactical balance to unleash this firepower without compromising defensive stability will be Southgate's ultimate test. His comments offer a rare glimpse into the strategic mind of a top-tier coach assessing a major tournament favourite.
