Adam Wharton says it would be “fantastic” to be named in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
The 20-year-old has earned rave reviews for the composure he has shown in Crystal Palace’s midfield since signing for £22million from Blackburn Rovers in January.
England manager Gareth Southgate was at Selhurst Park on Monday night and watched on as Wharton was part of a Palace team that thrashed Manchester United 4-0.
UEFA’s expansion of Euro 2024 squad sizes from 23 players to 26 could prove beneficial to the likes of Wharton, his Palace team-mate Eberechi Eze, and United teenager Kobbie Mainoo.
Wharton, an England U21, has started 13 straight games since making his Palace debut in February and said after last month’s 1-0 win at Liverpool that an England seniors call-up would be a “bonus” to his strong form.
Speaking after the win over United about potential England recognition, Wharton said: “It’s obviously great to be mentioned within that.
“If it happens, it happens. It would be great. But at the same time, I’m not expecting anything. I’m just enjoying my football at Palace.
“We’ve still got two games left before the Euros. I’m looking at them first, and then if I get the call-up, fantastic. If not, recover in the summer and go again next year.”
He said of his performance in the 4-0 win: “I’m never really satisfied. Even if I have a good game, I always remember the things I could have done better.
“That’s just how I’ve always looked at games, evening coming through the youth groups. You can never be perfect — but I want to try to be perfect. I’m still only young and have a lot to work on.”
Palace have four wins and a draw from their last five games and have turned a corner under new manager Oliver Glasner.
Wharton was asked where they could finish next season in their first full campaign under the Austrian’s tutelage.
“Anywhere,” he replied. “With the way we’re playing at the moment, you could say we could finish at the top of the table. Unfortunately, the season is ending soon. We’ll aim for as high as possible.”
Glasner welcomed the margin of victory over United but was critical of his team’s first-half performance.
“The second half was really good but first half we could do better,” he said. “But the score was amazing.
“It was the fourth game in a row where the other team didn’t have 10 shots. This is what we want. They’re amazing players; this is an amazing group.”
