Kieran Trippier singles out England's unsung hero for doing "ugly stuff" against Slovakia

Imagine how Conor Gallagher - a bubbly, lovable character rarely seen without a smile on his face - felt at half-time in Cologne last Thursday.

Having fought his way into England’s starting lineup for the final group game, he was hooked after 45 minutes of England’s dismal goalless draw with Slovenia. Following the game, photographs emerged of a pensive-looking Gallagher being consoled by his girlfriend, Aine May Kennedy.

And after Kobbie Mainoo had made an accomplished tournament bow and started the last-16 showdown with Slovakia, you would have been forgiven for thinking Gallagher would not be seen again at Euro 2024.

Instead, he produced the most important 15 minutes of his international career.

He did not touch the ball too many times during the 15 minutes he was on the Gelsenkirchen field, having replaced Harry Kane for the second half of extra-time.

And his contribution will definitely not feature in any highlights reels of England’s remarkable win. But Gallagher did not stop chasing Slovakians for a quarter of an hour, something that does not go unnoticed by his team-mates.

That is why Kieran Trippier, a wise old head, was happy to talk about the latest headline-grabbing deed from Jude Bellingham - and from Kane - but was even happier to talk about Gallagher, and the rest of England’s ‘finishers’.

England's Kieran Trippier arrives ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024, round of 16 match at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen

Trippier said: “You see Conor doing ‘doggies’ at the end … I don’t think people understand how important that is.”

Intense, frequent shuttle runs (on this occasion, from opposition player to opposition player) are known as ‘doggies’ and Gallagher did them non-stop for that last quarter of an hour.

“He (Conor) came off at half-time (in Cologne),” said Trippier. ”But it showed his mentality to come on and run for the team, do the ugly stuff that people don’t really see.

“I thought the subs made a massive impact. That’s why we talk in our team about how everybody has to be ready whenever you’re called upon. It just shows how hard the players who are not playing work every single day.

Conor Gallagher put in a tireless shift in extra time

“The players we have on the bench can come on and make a big impact, so a big shout out to the lads like Ivan (Toney).”

The Brentford striker, after being angry at being brought on in the 94th minute, did, indeed, make a significant impact, along with Ezri Konas, who came on at the same time as Gallagher.

Eberechi Eze was sent into the fray 16 minutes from the end of normal time and ended up playing at left wing-back as England kept the Slovakians out.

“The people that came on did their job,:” said Eze. “Having that type of energy, that type of spirit, and showing that type of belief to put in a performance like that … it shows what we are capable of.”

Of the five substitutes used by Southgate against Slovakia, only Cole Palmer - a 66th minute replacement for Trippier - and, with Marc Guehi suspended, Konsa, have a realistic chance of starting against Switzerland on Saturday.

But at least Southgate knows that if he needs his foot-soldiers, Gallagher and the rest will not let him down.

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