Adam Wharton says making England's Euro 2024 squad is 'surreal' and a 'dream come true' ahead of tournament
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Published 12/06/2024 at 19:49 GMT+1
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".
Rice: England’s collective aim is to win Euro 2024
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 in the 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Wharton now has a chance to feature in his first major tournament after being included in the final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 in Germany, which kicks off this Friday.
"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 added that the England call-up was a nice "bonus" after his first season in the top flight with Crystal Palace.
"I am absolutely delighted. I get to do what I love on the top stage – you can't beat it."
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”.
Wharton is one of several young, fresh faces in Southgate’s squad, along with Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, 18, and 22-year-old Cole Palmer of Chelsea.
The Palace midfielder believes there is a good mix of youth and experience in the squad as England look to win the Euros.
"There are still players that have been in the team for a long time and some top young players in the team," he said.
"I think it's good to have that little mix. If you're good enough, you're old enough."
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