ADAM Wharton admitted he is not “the most outgoing person you’re ever going to meet” as he spoke about the “sacrifice” he has made to become a professional football and his dad saying he was a “loner”.
Wharton, 20, has gone from playing Championship football with hometown team Blackburn Rovers to being a regular in the Premier League and now part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad in less than six months.
Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton made his England debut in the 3-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last week. After that game, his dad John spoke about his son.
“It was a great experience, I got quite emotional when he came on and it was a great day all-round. Things are just happening so fast,” John said.
“We saw Adam after the match, he gave his shirt to his brother. He’s loved this last few days with the team, he’s sat next to Harry Kane for breakfast and been talking to Declan Rice. He seems a happy chap at the moment.
“He’s quite a loner, Adam. He’s been down at the academy since the age of six and his friends are his football friends. He’s very quiet, he doesn’t give a lot away. I think he’s the most clever of my sons. He’s always been very laid back.”
Wharton was asked if he agreed he was a loner when he spoke to the press on Wednesday at England’s training base, the five-star Weimarer Land Spa and Golf resort in Blankenhain in East Germany.
“I think loner is a bit harsh,” Wharton joked.
“I don’t have a million friends, keep myself to myself and that’s just how I have always been, really. That works for me. I live on my own in London now so I’m not always out with my friends doing this and that. Part of being a footballer, you can’t go out at weekends growing up – that’s the sacrifice you have to make, I guess.
“I’m not a loner but I’m not the most outgoing person you’re ever going to meet.”
Wharton said his family have been a big influence. “Yeah massive. I have got two brothers I grew up playing with them in the garden. They probably beat me up a few times in the garden. All helps getting used to the physical side again. My dad is a massive football fan, he gives me advice, even still now.
“Very sporty family, all very supportive. That definitely helped me growing up, getting into it and continuing to support me, when I’ve not been playing when I was in the youth setup. I don’t think I’d be here without them, definitely.”
It’s just over two years since Wharton signed his first professional contract, with Rovers.
“It’s hard, really [to sum up what’s happened in a short period of time]. Just a dream come true,” Wharton said. “Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League, 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.”
Wharton played in all thirteen games that new Eagles manager Oliver Glasner oversaw after taking over from Roy Hodgson.
Palace finished the campaign as one of the Premier League’s form teams, clinching a top-half finish on the final day after six wins and a draw in their last seven games.
“I think he is a top coach,” Wharton said. “You can see since he has come in, the way we play has changed, we have been getting results for performances. He has brought in a new way, new formation, makes sure every session is intense. If not intense enough, if not training to the right standard he will let us know.
“Massive for us the four Palace lads to get chosen, it has definitely helped, he is tactically very good.”
England start their campaign against Serbia on Sunday.
Wharton said: “The manager picks the team. Obviously there are some unbelievable players. If I am chosen to play I am more than ready but whoever is on pitch I’m sure will step up perform and help the team get the result we want.”
