Anyone still unconvinced by Adam Wharton — Gareth Southgate’s wildcard pick for Euro 2024 — need only listen to the man he may start alongside in England’s opening game.
It has been a meteoric rise for Wharton, who in January left Championship side Blackburn for Crystal Palace, where he has since turned heads.
England’s second midfield slot next to Declan Rice remains unclaimed, but the Arsenal man has offered more than a hint over whom he hopes to partner. “In training, I’ve been on his team quite a lot and [liked] the way we’ve played together,” Rice said of Wharton. “He’s come to Palace, been outstanding, and in training has impressed a lot of the players. He’s so composed on the ball, has a beautiful left foot, really crisp passing. He will be ready when called upon. He’s ready for the big stage.
“There’s a difference between players that are top-level players at 20 and players that are just on the cusp of stuff — and he’s really top-level. He sees a pass early. He plays simple, but beautiful, effective football. I can’t give him enough credit for what he’s done.”
High praise indeed, and coaching staff have been similarly surprised by how quickly Wharton has taken to life as an England player. The 20-year-old made a mature cameo debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, just three days before being named in the final squad.
He faces competition from Conor Gallagher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo to start alongside Rice in England’s Euros opener against Serbia on Sunday week.
Wharton is perhaps what England most need: a forward passer, able to sit in position and dictate play while Rice shuttles around him.
The 11th-hour inclusion of Wharton and rapid rises of Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Mainoo mean Southgate is aware he has “regenerated the group more than [we] were expecting a couple of months ago”.
His inclusion also means Palace are the most represented club in Southgate’s squad.
