Michael Owen in complete shock at Thomas Tuchel after recent England decision
England are gearing up for their World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Monday, October 13, and Michael Owen has already weighed in on a key debate.
In a friendly fixture on Friday, England thrashed Wales 3-0 to make it eight successive wins against one of their arch rivals.
Bukayo Saka was dubbed ‘world-class’ for his incredible strike, while some of his other teammates were celebrated by the national media.
England’s squad is stacked with talent in every position, and naturally, Thomas Tuchel had to make some incredibly tough decisions.
Michael Owen surprised by Thomas Tuchel snubbing Adam Wharton
Jack Grealish was left out of the England squad, despite his stunning start to the season at Everton, while Adam Wharton also suffered the same fate.
Eyebrows were raised when the Crystal Palace maestro was omitted from Tuchel’s plans, especially with Jordan Henderson being selected over him.
Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen was just as confused as the fanbase, and he’s now given his thoughts.
“I was surprised at Adam Wharton being left out,” Owen told talkSPORT. “I thought he would be in the squad because he’s playing well and he’s been in squads before.
“He’s having a great season, he’s young, and he is probably the future of that England team.”
| Adam Wharton’s 2025/26 stats |
| 6 appearances |
| 4.5 balls recovered per game |
| 1 tackle per game |
| 1 interception per game |
| 5 big chances created |
| 81% pass completion |
Wharton, who has been linked to Liverpool and many other top clubs in recent months, can feel hard done by after his stunning start to the campaign.
However, with a World Cup to look forward to in 2026, surely he will force his way back into Tuchel’s plans.
Rio Ferdinand has urged Man United to sign Wharton
It feels only a matter of time before Wharton is playing for a top Premier League club, and although Man United are struggling to live up to their name, they’re one possible destination for the 21-year-old.
Indeed, Rio Ferdinand wants Man United to snap up Wharton to fix their midfield problem and replace Casemiro in the engine room.
“If what I want is available, which I think can enhance the team in other areas, I’d probably make that call, yeah, and because of his age. I’d probably take it,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents in September.
“I’m taking [Carlos] Baleba and [Adam] Wharton. I’m quite comfortable with him staying because of how good he is. We’d have been relegated without him last season.”
Whatever happens in the coming months, Wharton is most certainly the future of the England team.