Ashley Cole reveals Adam Wharton England update outside Crystal Palace v Brighton
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton looks to be under consideration for a return to the England side after what a pundit was told by coach Ashley Cole outside the Brighton victory.
The 21-year-old only made the step up to the Premier League in January 2024, when Wharton made the move to Selhurst Park from boyhood club Blackburn Rovers.
It took the midfielder no time at all to settle in at top-flight level, which saw him earn a senior international debut for England in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina last summer.
Wharton was then named in the Three Lions squad for EURO 2024, although he did not get on the pitch at all during his country’s run to the final.
Adam Wharton catching England coach Ashley Cole’s attention
Wharton has impressed for Crystal Palace since returning from injury earlier this year, picking up where he had previously left off.
Despite that, the midfielder was forced to settle for a place in England’s Under 21s squad during the March international break.
New England manager Thomas Tuchel surprised many some of his selections for his first squad, Wharton’s absence was certainly among those that raised eyebrows.
| Adam Wharton vs Brighton | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Minutes Played | 82 |
| Successful Passes | 17/27 |
| Duels Won | 4/8 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Intercetions | 2 |
It does though appear that the Crystal Palace man is coming back into contention for a place in the senior side.
As the Eagles took on Brighton at Selhurst Park on Saturday (5 April), television coverage picked out Tuchel and national team coach Cole in the crowd at the game.
Responding to those pictures while commentating for the World Feed on the game, Glenn Murray then revealed (3:43pm): “Well I saw Ashley Cole outside, he said he was here to watch Adam Wharton this afternoon so I’m sure he’ll be mightily impressed so far.”
Crystal Palace man deserves England chance
Football Insider Verdict
With another international break to come at the end of this season, it would feel like a big surprise if Wharton is not named in that squad.
The Crystal Palace ace possesses a range of passing that very few other English players can offer, especially when it comes to unlocking defences.
Given Tuchel seemingly wants his England side to be on the front foot more than they were under Southgate, the 21-year-old would surely be ideal for them.
It would also make sense to get him involved in the squad sooner rather than later, to get some more international experience under his belt with little more than a year until the World Cup.
Indeed, given the likes of Man City, Man United and Tottenham are all interested in Wharton, the fact he is rated so highly only adds to the sense that he ought to be in and around the senior national team.
With Wharton also impressing for Crystal Palace in their win over Brighton in front of Tuchel and Cole, a recall for England is surely coming sooner rather than later.