Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton could play for England in their Euro 2024 opening game against Serbia on Sunday night. Gareth Southgate named the 20-year-old in his 26-man squad for the tournament at the expense of the likes of Tottenham star James Maddison andformer Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. That’s despite Wharton only making his Three Lions debut last week, coming off the bench for the last 28 minutes of the 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina .
It is quite simply a remarkable achievement given that just five months ago, barely anyone, let alone Southgate, had heard of the tenacious midfielder...
Wharton made his senior debut for boyhood club Blackburn Rovers in August 2022 aged 18 where he played alongside his elder brother Scott. He was an instant hit with the fans, and made 22 appearances across all competitions with his side on course for promotion until a late dip in form saw them finish seventh in the Championship, missing out on the play-offs on goal difference. The following season he was a regular starter, and though Blackburn were no longer competing at the top of the table, he continued to put in eye-catching performances, even chipping in with a few goals and assists.
It wasn’t long before clubs in the Premier League were taking notice, and while Chelsea were interested, it was South London where Wharton would end up...
On January 2024 deadline day, Wharton signed for Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half year contract, for a fee of £22.5milli.
