GARETH Southgate lavished praise on Adam Wharton after his England debut – raising hopes the Crystal Palace midfielder could make the cut for Euro 2024.
Wharton has had a meteoric rise since joining the Eagles from Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the January transfer window, but he has handled it all in his elegant stride.
His performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina this week was the latest evidence of his class and temperament. After coming on in the 62nd minute of the friendly, just after the hosts had gone 1-0 up through Cole Palmer’s penalty, Wharton completed 35 out of 36 attempted passes in the 3-0 win.
Southgate will cut his 33-man provisional squad down to the final 26 for the tournament in Germany after Friday’s friendly against Iceland at Wembley.
“Adam Wharton showed what he has been doing at the end of the season and in training,” Southgate said. “I like what he’s done with us in the first few days. He sees pictures early and can play forward. It is very early for him but lovely that he looked as comfortable as he did.
“It’s a big step up from where he was at the beginning of the season but I like the fact he sees pictures early, he plays forward.
“Obviously he’s got quality on the ball but it’s the ability to receive and play the ball forward that’s really caught our eye.”
Palace attacker Eberechi Eze is also hopeful of making the final squad after he again impressed on his full debut, his third cap. Eze played 62 minutes before being replaced by Jack Grealish.
Palace defender Marc Guehi also played 62 minutes, while Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson was an unused substitute.
Palmer’s goal was his first on his third England appearance. It was his 28th goal in 51 appearances for club and country since last August.
“Of course, it’s a difficult decision for us,’ Southgate said when asked about cutting seven players.
“A team that didn’t have many caps when we started, it showed people feel comfortable in an England shirt pretty quickly which was lovely to see.
“It is a decision where we understand the significance for all of the players. So we are giving it the respect and consideration it deserves to make fair, right decisions.
“Clearly, I would imagine Eberechi has caught the eye with the way he started the game, the way he glides past people and the power he shows. Conor Gallagher was an important performance for us given how important Declan’s [Rice] role is.
“We know what he can do without the ball but his work with the ball has improved. He played with real maturity.
“A first goal for Cole Palmer. He showed moments of what he is about. It was his first start for us and there is more to come as he feels more comfortable with the group and we feed him the ball as he needs it.
“He can play in a couple of other positions and has had a fabulous season. There is no reason he can’t he can’t have a big impact with us.”
