Glenn Hoddle slammed Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave Adam Wharton out of England’s World Cup squad after he helped Crystal Palace win their first ever European trophy.
Wharton, 22, was a somewhat surprising omission from England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup after another impressive season at Selhurst Park.
The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder, who has four England caps, helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup last season and qualify for Europe.
The disappointment of missing out on the World Cup would have been a distance thought for Wharton as he helped Palace win the Conference League, the club’s first European trophy.
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After a cagey and goalless first half, Oliver Glasner’s side broke the deadlock on 51 minutes through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who turned home after Wharton’s long-range strike was saved.
That goal proved decisive as La Liga side Rayo Vallecano were unable to respond, with Palace’s win sending them into next season’s Europa League.
Wharton was one of the best players on the pitch out in Leipzig less than a week after he was snubbed by Three Lions boss Tuchel.
His omission was particularly controversial given Tuchel opted to select 35-year-old Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, who Hoddle believes could have been taken to the United States simply as a coach.
Asked about Tuchel’s decision to overlook Wharton, England legend and former manager Hoddle said on TNT Sports: ‘I was a little bit surprised, yeah.
‘I think he suits three in midfield because he doesn’t get around the pitch that quickly so that might be a burden against him but certainly for me I love the way he looks forward and passes.
‘He can hit the killer balls, those balls that takes the whole defence out with one pass. I’m not sure England have got many in the deep-lying positions who can do that on a consistent level.
‘So I raised an eyebrow when I saw he wasn’t in the squad. I understand why the manager has taken Jordan Henderson but if you want him to do that type of job just take him as a coach.
‘There was a spot there for Adam Wharton. He was different class tonight, he was one of the players who played his normal game from the first minute to the last.
‘He settled into the game and just showed everyone what he does, he got on the ball and passed and created. Palace weren’t at their best but he was doing all the right things and exactly what he does week in, week out.
‘Fair play to him, it’s a big blow not to be on the plane to the World Cup but he’s finished the season on a real high.’
Ex-Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward also believes Wharton was deserving of a place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
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‘Adam certainly possesses enough quality and ability to be in the team,’ he told The Sun. ‘What he brings to the team, how he plays and his intelligence, I think he’d certainly slot in there and be absolutely fine.
‘Obviously, it’s a very tough and competitive pool. I’m sure there’ll be disappointment but also the recognition of being so close will only bear him on to go and kick on to achieve more.
‘I have no doubt that he will have a very fruitful career in an England shirt as well. When he’s on the pitch, he sees things in a different way.
‘His ability to break the lines, his ability to beat people and find those killer passes and not turn away from making those passes is what sets him apart.’
As well as Henderson, Tuchel is taking midfielders Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and Kobbie Mainoo to the World Cup.
Crystal Palace lost key midfielder Eberechi Eze last summer and former captain Marc Guehi in January but have not allowed those departures to half their impressive progress.
Speaking after the Conference League triumph, Palace goalscorer Mateta said: ‘I feel fantastic! I feel fantastic! We did it! First time in Europe and we did it.
‘Now I just want to celebrate. We gave everything. I told you about the intensity they will have and I am tired right now because I gave everything. That’s why we won today.
‘I am always with the fans. They have supported me a lot as a player. They are always behind us. We did it for them too.’
Glasner announced in January that he was leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the season and departs having overseen the most successful spell in the club’s history.
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