Who is Adam Wharton? The England and Crystal Palace midfielder who is on his way to Euro 2024

Everything you need to know about Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton after his surprise call-up to the England 2024 Euros squad.

Every time there is a major tournament, there is always a surprise name that is included.

For Euro 2024 in Germany, Crystal Palace youngster Wharton was called up by Gareth Southgate, despite never receiving an England cap.

The future star managed to get in ahead of many regulars like Jordan Henderson and Mason Mount.

Now, the midfielder has the opportunity to showcase his abilities on one of the biggest stages in world football as England looks to end their European Championship curse.

In this article, you can find out everything you need to know about Wharton, from his career statistics to what Southgate said about the upcoming talent.

Photo Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

What is Adam Wharton’s age and height?

Wharton was born on February 6, 2000. At the time of writing that makes him 20 years old. He also stands at 1.82 metres which is six foot exactly.

Where was he born?

Wharton was born in Blackburn, England, which eventually resulted in him rising through the Rovers’ academy before breaking into the first team.

Are Adam Wharton and Scott Wharton related?

Still at Blackburn Rovers is Scott Wharton. The 26-year-old defender is Adam Wharton’s older brother with him being a regular for his boyhood club.

What position does Adam Wharton play?

At Crystal Palace, Wharton is usually utilised in a central midfield or as a defensive midfielder. However, in the former position, he had a far more successful win rate at the capital club, only losing two Premier League games.

When did Adam Wharton join Crystal Palace?

Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

Wharton earned his big Premier League move in February 2024. After one-and-a-half successful years in the Blackburn first-team. The midfielder left the club he had been at since he was six years old. He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Palace.

How much did he cost?

In order for Crystal Palace to secure the upcoming talent, the capital side had to pay an initial £18 million for Wharton. However, the add-ons could potentially see the deal rise to £22 million.

What are Adam Wharton’s stats?

Despite only making a total of 67 professional club appearances, Wharton has taken no time to stand out.

In the Premier League, the midfielder has been outstanding, and the stats back this up. According to Fbref, Wharton made an average of 3.33 tackles per 90 minutes, putting him in the top 5% in the division vs other midfielders.

On top of this, the midfielder completed 1.39 interceptions, 0.21 assists, and 0.17 xAG per 90 minutes, which all put him in the top 16%.

Did Adam Wharton get selected in the England squad for Euro 2024?

Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

Yes, Wharton was a surprise inclusion for many England fans as the Crystal Palace midfielder had never been picked before for the Three Lions.

After being selected in the preliminary squad, Wharton made his international debut from the bench in a 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. From here, the midfielder retained his place in the 26-man squad as he prepared to head to Germany.

What did Gareth Southgate say about him?

After his surprise inclusion, unsurprisingly, England manager Southgate had a lot to say about the midfielder.

After making his debut against Bosnia, Southgate was full of praise for the new Three Lions talent.

“Adam Wharton showed what he has been doing at the end of the season and in training,” Southgate explained.

“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.”