Gallagher’s objection is rooted in tradition. He believes football has worked perfectly for generations and does not need a concert inserted into its biggest match.
The musician is not opposed to every change. He has reportedly welcomed possible rule adjustments around corners and time-wasting, arguing that those developments could improve the game. His frustration is aimed at what he sees as the growing entertainment package around football rather than the sport itself.
The planned attractions include Madonna, Shakira and BTS, underlining the scale of the production. For Gallagher, however, the final should remain about the match rather than the stage.
His assessment of England is no more optimistic. Gallagher expects the team to reach the quarter-finals before losing to an opponent of similar or superior quality, continuing what he sees as a familiar tournament pattern.
He has nevertheless backed Thomas Tuchel, including the reported decision not to select Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Gallagher believes neither player’s recent season justified inclusion, with Foden receiving particularly sharp criticism.
That view places the focus firmly on selection, mentality and England’s ability to handle the defining moments against elite opposition.
For the title, Gallagher would like to see a final between Brazil and Argentina. He also considers Portugal a serious contender, while France and Spain remain difficult to overlook.
His condition for Portugal is clear: Roberto Martínez may need to manage Cristiano Ronaldo carefully, using him primarily in short late-game spells if the team is to go all the way.
The tournament will ultimately test both predictions - and decide whether the football or the spectacle gets the final word.