England midfielder Adam Wharton describes being included in England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024 as “surreal” and “a dream come true.”
The 20-year-old made his professional debut only in August 2022 and was still playing in the Championship as recently as January this year.
In February, he made an £18 million move to Crystal Palace from his boyhood club Blackburn Rovers, where he made his Premier League debut.
Wharton played a crucial role in helping the Eagles secure a 10th-place finish in the Premier League. His impressive form earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man training squad, where he made his debut against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week.
Wharton has impressed both players and staff during training and now has the opportunity to participate in a major tournament.
“It’s a surreal feeling. Honestly I wasn’t expecting it,” he said.
“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 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.”
After having only just moved into the Premier League, he said it was “a bonus” to get into the national squad.
“I am absolutely delighted,” he added. “I get to do what I love on the top stage – you can’t beat it.”
Wharton is one of a number of young players to have been included in the squad by Southgate, alongside 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Chelsea’s 22-year-old Cole Palmer.
“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. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” Wharton said.
The midfielder had a 100% pass completion on his England debut against Bosnia-Herzegovina but says there is room for improvement “on the little things” in his game.
He added he has spoken to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to help him iron out details in his game on things like “body positioning and communication”.
In an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire, Wharton’s dad described him as a “loner” but the player says that description isn’t quite right.
“I think loner is a bit harsh,” he joked.
“I don’t have a million friends, I keep myself to myself and that’s just how I have always been really.
“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.”