Just before Everton takes on Chelsea, Roy Keane provides a harsh assessment on Mauricio Pochettino’s favorite.

Latest Chelsea news with Roy Keane delivering a brutal Conor Gallagher verdict when debating England’s starting XI for Euro 2024

One Chelsea player is still not good enough, according to Roy Keane, to start for England in Euro 2024. The four players battling for a spot on Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of the event are Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, and Levi Colwill. They will all be flying to Germany next summer.

Despite being Southgate’s most used player, Sterling has struggled with injury and inconsistent play, making appearances in just a few squads. Palmer and Colwill had their Three Lions bows this year, while Gallagher received his first senior cap two years ago.

The competition for places is strong in the England squad with Gallagher battling Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Phillips for a starting place. Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish and Jarrod Bowen are just a few names wanting the two wide spots that Palmer and Sterling will also be eyeing, while Colwill’s versatility to play in the centre of defence as well as left-back places him in great stead to make the cut.

To some much of the starting XI is decided but there is one midfield spot alongside Rice and Bellingham that appears still up for grabs. Speaking on Stick To Football, Gary Neville suggested Gallagher is an option for the role, however Keane quickly shut that down.

“Conor Gallagher is the other option. He’s obviously played, but he’s a runner.” In response, Keane said, “No, I don’t think he’s good enough.” Gallagher has shown to be incredibly valuable to Pochettino and Chelsea in aiding with the midfield balance, even though he is undoubtedly not on the same level as Bellingham or Rice.

Although Pochettino wanted the England international to stay, he was linked to a move elsewhere in the summer. Pochettino gave Gallagher the captain’s armband for several games while Reece James and Ben Chilwell were sidelined due to injuries, demonstrating his evident faith in the 23-year-old.