Adam Wharton Eyes Success With England At Euro 2024, Undeterred By Youth

Adam Wharton does not see age as a barrier to his England aspirations at Euro 2024. The midfielder expressed his excitement ahead of the major tournament. Crystal Palace's Wharton was playing Championship football with Blackburn Rovers until his January move to the Premier League.

The next step in his rapid rise comes this month after making Gareth Southgate's final squad for the upcoming European Championship. This achievement followed a strong second half to the season for Wharton, who is already attracting interest from Europe's top clubs due to his impressive performances for Oliver Glasner's Palace.

Wharton, aged just 20 for this UEFA tournament in Germany, aims to make an impact and believes opportunities are there to be seized, despite his relative inexperience compared to his teammates. "There are still players that have been in the team for a long time and some top young players in the team... I think it's good to have that little mix," Wharton said on Wednesday. "If you're good enough, you're old enough. It's a surreal feeling. Honestly, I wasn't expecting it. Just a dream come true."

He continued, "Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League and play for their country. I got to play for the 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."

A dream come true to make my debut for my country pic.twitter.com/8Zra4YaNtV

— Adam Wharton (@AdamWharton10) June 3, 2024

Wharton will compete with Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, and Kobbie Mainoo for a role in Southgate's midfield, while Jude Bellingham remains an option if moved deeper. This does not concern the 20-year-old, as Wharton realises his dreams on the international stage.

"I am just absolutely delighted," he added. "I get to do what I love on the top stage; you can't beat it."