Adam Wharton taking 'bonus' EUROs call-up in his stride

Adam Wharton has spoken about his call-up to the England squad for UEFA EURO 2024, as the Three Lions continue their preparations for the tournament in Germany.

The Crystal Palace midfielder was named by Gareth Southgate in the initial training squad for the EUROs last month after impressing with his performances at Selhurst Park in the second half of the season.

And after making a positive debut in England’s win over Bosnia & Herzegovina at St. James’ Park in the penultimate game before the competition, the 20-year-old did enough to secure his place in the final 26-man squad.

"It's a surreal feeling," he admitted, following England’s second training session in Germany after their arrival earlier this week.

"To get to do something you love at the top stage, you can't beat it.

"Honestly, I wasn't really expecting it. I'd obviously only just gone into the Premier League, so I wasn't expecting anything and it was more sort of a bonus if I did get in, so I'm delighted."

Wharton’s ascent to the senior squad has been rapid, having previously been capped at MU19 level and starting the current season with the men’s Elite League Squad before he was a late addition to the MU21s squad in March.

But following his move to Palace in January from hometown club Blackburn Rovers, where he’d established himself as one of the Championship’s brightest young talents, he now finds himself in a major tournament with focus on Sunday’s opener against Serbia.

"It's gone really fast,” he added. “I've really enjoyed the last six months and I just want to keep playing football and get better.

"There's some unbelievable players here, and the manager picks the team and if I'm chose to play then I'm more than ready. But whoever is on the pitch will step up and perform to get the result we need.

"It's just a dream come true. Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League and play for their country.

"I got to play for the team that I supported [Blackburn], and I really enjoyed that, and then it's just continued into the Premier League and now here.

"It's all been very fast but I wouldn't want it any other way."

Wharton’s debut saw him become the only midfielder to attempt more than 30 passes on debut for the Three Lions with a 100 per cent accuracy since Opta began their detailed passing data.

But the Blackburn-born playmaker reveals he rarely focuses too much on his previous displays – preferring to focus on the future.

"I thought I did well, but for me it was just another football match," he said.

"I've been playing football my whole life so it's just another game to try my best and I thought I did alright.

"I never really look at my performances and think 'oh, it's amazing' as there's always certain bits that you can improve on but for me, I was just happy to make my debut and play the way I did but there's always room for improvement."

His call-up has also seen a great deal of pride for his family, who he says have all played their part in his upbringing and development.

"I think they were probably happier than I was when I shared the news, especially my parents," he revealed.

"They were delighted for me and proud of how far I've come in such a short period of time.

"They've been massive for me, I've got two brothers who I grew up with, both older, so playing with them in the garden when they probably beat me up a few times - that all helps getting used to the physical side of the game.

"We're a sporty family and very supportive and that definitely helped me growing up and then continuing to support me even when I've not been playing in the youth set up.

"I wouldn't be here without them."