Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton has been called up to the preliminary England squad for Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate named his 33-man squad on Tuesday, which will be whittled down to a maximum of 26 ahead of the tournament in June.
Wharton has received his first ever call-up, taking the place of Three Lions stalwart and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
It is quite simply a remarkable achievement given that just five months ago, barely anyone, let alone Southgate, had heard of the tenacious midfielder…
Breakthrough at Blackburn
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…
Soaring high with Crystal Palace
On January 2024 deadline day, Wharton signed for Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half year contract, for a fee of £22.5million. Blackburn wanted a lot more and it’s now clear to see why.
Two days after the transfer, and just three days before his 20th birthday, Wharton made his Eagles debut as a first-half substitute against their arch-rivals Brighton.
It was… a complete disaster, as Roy Hodgson’s side were thrashed 4-1 at the Amex, with Wharton directly at fault for the Seagulls’ third goal.