Jamie Redknapp singled out Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher for praise after England started their preparations for the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Switzerland in a friendly at Wembley.
Goals from Luke Shaw and Harry Kane secured the victory for England after Breel Embolo gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half of the clash.
Gareth Southgate gave debuts to Marc Guehi, Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell as he concludes his plans ahead of the World Cup which takes place in Qatar later in the year.
Gallagher, currently on loan at Crystal Palace, also made his full England debut and was impressive, creating the assist for Shaw’s equaliser and proving a constant threat before his second-half substitution.
‘We were talking about Conor Gallagher before the game and wondering if he could step up to this level. He looked at home tonight,’ former England star Redknapp told Sky Sports.
‘He looked really good with his energy and that assist. His star has gone up today. He showed he could play at this level.
‘He will be a proud boy in the dressing room. I thought he did himself no harm. He’s given Gareth Southgate a lovely problem and I was very impressed with him.’
Ex-Chelsea and England player Karen Carney added: ‘Gallagher reads situations so well, he was brilliant tonight and I thought he was England’s best player.’
Kane’s second-half penalty not only secured England’s win, but also saw the Tottenham forward move level with Sir Bobby Charlton on 49 England goals.
Kane, who is now four goals behind England’s record marksman Wayne Rooney, said: ‘It was a tough game. It’s a big year ahead and it’s a chance for us to try some different formations.
‘I felt it was a good performance but there was room to improve. Overall, it was a good way to start the year.’
On joining Sir Bobby Charlton on 49 England goals, Kane said: ‘I always say it’s amazing company and I’m proud to be with those names. ‘It’s a big year ahead, with a few more caps and hopefully a few more goals and let’s see where that takes us.’
