INCREDIBLE throwback footage has emerged of Adam Wharton playing at Wembley as a ten-year-old.
The Crystal Palace midfielder, 20, has shone since moving to the Premier League in January.
https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodAdam Wharton could be seen bossing the midfield in throwback footage[/caption]
https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodThe midfielder was playing in a schools cup final at Wembley[/caption]
https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodThe ten-year-old Wharton was cool as a cucumber during the match[/caption]
GettyThe Crystal Palace star is now at Euro 2024 with England[/caption]
Wharton, a Blackburn academy graduate, starred for Palace in their late season surge under Oliver Glasner.
His incredible form saw him earn a place in Gareth Southgate‘s 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
The Lancashire-lad made his Three Lions debut as a substitute against Bosnia at St James’ Park, before remaining an unused substitute for the defeat to Iceland at Wembley.
While Wharton didn’t get on last Friday, he has played at the national stadium before.
In footage shared to social media, he can be seen playing on the hallowed turf aged just 10.
Wharton represented Salesbury CoE Primary School in the National Primary Schools Final in 2015.
In a YouTube video initially posted by Harry Gray, Wharton’s amazing skills are already very much apparent.
The future star can be seen performing a Diego Maradona-esque spin with the ball.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!
The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
£50,000 Prize Pot
Free to play
Play in Mini Leagues against your mates
Download Dream Team app
PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS!
Enhance your experience of the Euros further by playing our other games: Bracket Challenge and Score Predictor.
While his highlights also include numerous smart passes and elegant spins in possession.
Fast forward nine years, and Wharton may have the opportunity to showcase his considerable talent in Germany at Euro 2024.
He made 51 appearances for boyhood club Blackburn, before moving on to Crystal Palace in January, for whom he has so far played 16 times.
Ahead of this summer’s tournament, Wharton was referred to as a bit of a “loner” by his dad during an interview.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the England new-boy said: “Loner is a bit harsh!
“I don’t have a million friends. I sort of keep myself to myself, that is how I’ve always been really. That works for me.
“I live on my own in London now. I am not always out with my friends doing this and that and part of being a footballer is you can’t go out on the weekends and they are the sort of sacrifices you make.
“I’m not a loner but I’m not the most outgoing person. I’m not going to go into a room with people that I don’t know and be really loud.
“All the lads have made it really easy, all very welcoming and happy to chat. That has made it easy but we are all involved in football and there are plenty of things to talk about.
“I’ve spoken to all the lads now and none have been difficult to speak to.”
EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT
Last week Declan Rice was full of praise for Wharton, saying that he is “ready for the big stage”.
On Rice’s influence, Wharton revealed: “I spoke to Declan and he is a top player, you have seen that in the last few seasons.
“The way Arsenal play has shown what he can produce and he is a top guy off the pitch as well.
“I’ve been getting those little things. It’s everyone really, learning off everyone but especially him. He’s in a similar position to me and it is good to pick up on things.
“Even if it’s body positioning when the ball is in a certain position, or bits of communication.
“It just helps you when you are on the pitch. The way team-mates communicate makes it easier for you.”
England fans will soon see why it’s such a joy to watch Wharton at work
AFTER Adam Wharton’s eye-catching cameo for England at St. James’ Park, the Crystal Palace midfielder was receiving praise from every angle, writes Jack Rosser.
It could easily overwhelm any young footballer – but one message from someone close to the 20-year-old perfectly summed up his approach to football.
It read: “He did great – played in a different park with a different set of mates.”
Wharton’s style has never changed and is never likely to, whether he is playing at grassroots or in Germany.
To sit and watch from the stands it may appear that the gangly midfielder is not really engaged, nonchalantly strolling around the pitch.
But his mind is whirring, several steps ahead of those around him, and once the ball arrives at his feet it is almost always sent forwards.
Wharton has played in a deeper role since arriving at Crystal Palace from Championship side Blackburn in January – but is equally as adept when he gets into forward areas.
The Rovers academy graduate can draw players in and move past them or exchange cute, incisive passes in the final third.
That is what has impressed coaches not only at Palace, but also now with England so much.
Wharton’s mind has always been his strength having been a late developer physically.
It is that vision which means he has taken to Premier League and international football with such ease.
Palace and Blackburn fans can afford themselves a quiet “I told you so” now he has been named in Gareth Southgate’s final squad for Euro 2024.
The rest of England is about to find out what a joy it can be to watch Wharton at work.