CONOR GALLAGHER has revealed he has asthma.
The England star, 24, has a reputation for being the fittest player in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
He denies that is the case – putting his non-stop energy down more to his mentality.
But when discussing the “engine” – his ability to get up and down the pitch relentlessly – he reckons he was born with, the midfielder also talked about his respiratory issue.
Speaking on FA show Lions’ Den, the Chelsea man said: “I think I was born with it (his engine), but funnily enough I’ve got asthma as well.
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“It always shocks everyone to be fair.
“I always give my best. I don’t think I’m fitter than everyone else. I would say there are a lot of lads fitter than me in the squad.”
Asked if it was his mindset, rather than his physical endurance capacity, that made him such a fit player, Gallagher replied: “That’s what it is.
"I leave it all on the pitch but believe me I’m knackered at the end of it.”
Former England midfielder Paul Scholes famously had asthma, a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways in the lungs which requires an inhaler to help with breathing.
Meanwhile, Gallagher might soon have an even more strenuous role - if he earns a starting place for Tuesday's final group game with Slovenia.
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There have been calls for Southgate to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with a more orthodox midfielder.
That could mean Crystal Palace's technically-skilled Adam Wharton.
But Gallagher and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo are the options most talked about.
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Former England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is amongst those who agree.
The pundit posted on X: “England have to sacrifice quality in Trent & Foden for energy in Gallagher or Mainoo & pace in (Anthony) Gordon.
“Kane needs pace either side of him & (Declan) Rice needs more help in midfield. Go 433 & drop (Jude) Bellingham slightly deeper.”
