The first of England’s daily EURO2024 press conferences saw Adam Wharton address the media from England’s training camp in Blankenhain. At just twenty years of age, the Crystal Palace midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom since signing for the Eagles in the January transfer window – and he admits that “it’s a surreal feeling.”
Gareth Southgate appears to have taken a unique approach to England’s squad selection ahead of EURO2024, later revealing that the tournament may be his last as Three Lions boss if football doesn’t come home this summer.
Gone are the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, with youthful replacements instead handed the opportunity to represent the country on the European stage. Asked about his senior tournament call-up, Wharton expressed that he “wasn’t really expecting it.”
“It was just a bonus if I did get in, so I’m absolutely delighted that I get to do what I love on the big stage… I don’t really think about it too much. It’s just more football for me, that’s how I look at it.”
Embed from Getty Images“It’s just a dream come true,” the 20-year-old revealed, adding that “every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League and play for their country… I wouldn’t want it any other way!”
Wharton made his debut during the second half of England’s warm-up win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, stealing the headlines for a remarkably composed performance at the heart of the midfield that would perhaps be expected from a stalwart ten years his senior.
Assessing his performance at St James’ Park, the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder said: “I think I did well. For me, it was just another football match. I’ve been playing football my whole life.”
“I never really look at my performances and think they’re amazing, because there are always little bits you can improve on. [I was] really happy to make my debut and perform the way I did, but there’s always room for improvement.”
His debut will certainly have given Southgate a headache in terms of selecting a starting eleven for the Three Lions’ opener against Serbia on June 16 – and Wharton suggested that his age shouldn’t work against him, stressing that “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
“There’s obviously some top young players in the team,” he said, speaking on the varied experience within England’s 26-man team.
“For me, the manager picks the team. There are some unbelievable players and if I’m chosen to play, then I’m more than ready but whoever is on the pitch, I’m sure they’ll step up and help the team.”
England face Serbia in Gelsenkirchen at 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST] on June 16. You can find FromTheSpot’s detailed coverage of that clash, and the remainder of the tournament, on our website and our X account.