Adam Wharton Reflects on 'Surreal' Euro 2024 Call-Up

Adam Wharton, England midfielder, describes his inclusion in the Euro 2024 squad as “surreal” and “a dream come true.” At just 20 years old, he made his professional debut in August 2022 and played in the Championship until January this year. Following an £18m move to Crystal Palace from his boyhood club Blackburn Rovers, Wharton debuted in the Premier League in February. His contributions helped Crystal Palace secure a 10th-place finish, earning him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man training squad. Moreover, Adam Wharton made his national team debut against Bosnia-Herzegovina recently and has impressed both players and staff during training, positioning him for a potential role in the upcoming tournament.

Reflecting on his rapid rise, Wharton expressed, “It’s a surreal feeling. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it. Just a dream come true.” He emphasized his enjoyment of the past six months and his determination to continue improving. Moving into the Premier League was an unexpected boon for Wharton. He said, “I am absolutely delighted. I get to do what I love on the top stage – you can’t beat it.” Moreover, Southgate has enlisted young talents like 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Chelsea’s 22-year-old Cole Palmer. Wharton praised the mix of experienced players and youngsters, noting, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Despite a perfect pass completion rate in his England debut, Wharton aims to improve further, consulting Arsenal’s Declan Rice on aspects like “body positioning and communication.” Regarding his personality, he jokingly responded to his dad’s “loner” label, stating, “I don’t have many friends; I’m just someone who keeps to myself.” Furthermore, acknowledging the sacrifices required in pursuit of his football career, Wharton concluded, “It’s part of being a footballer. You can’t go out at weekends growing up – that’s the sacrifice you have to make, I guess.”