A big congratulations: to “Adam Wharton” who today ends his contract with Crystal Palace F.C while signing a new contract with…
Adam Wharton’s rapid rise in the world of football has continued after his inclusion in the 26-man England squad for Euro 2024. The 20-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder, who only made his professional debut in August 2022 and was still playing in the Championship earlier this year, says making Gareth Southgate’s squad was unexpected and a “dream come true”.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has said he didn’t expect to be included in England’s Euro 2024 squad, calling it a “dream come true”.
The 20-year-old has had a rapid rise from making his professional debut in August 2022 and still playing in the Championship earlier this year, to cementing a crucial role in Crystal Palace’s 10th-place finish in the Premier League following a £18m move from boyhood club Blackburn Rovers.
His performances in the Eagles’ midfield earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad and he made his England debut last week
“It’s a surreal feeling. Honestly I wasn’t expecting it,” said Wharton ahead of England’s first match of the tournament against Serbia on Sunday.
“Just a dream come true. Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League, play for their country.
“I got to play for a team I supported to begin with, really enjoyed that, and then it has continued since – moving to the Premier League, now here, so it’s all been very fast but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I have really enjoyed the last six months and I just want to keep playing, getting better.”
Wharton has already impressed players and staff with the national squad, and had a 100% pass completion in his debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
But he says he still hopes to improve “on the little things” and is learning from more experienced members of the team like Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice with “body positioning and communication”.
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