Adam Wharton says he’s settling in fine with England despite his dad’s ‘harsh’ suggestion that he’s a ‘loner’.
The Crystal Palace star is enjoying a meteoric rise having been selected for the Euro 2024 squad despite playing in the Championship as recently as January and making his professional debut just 22 months ago.
Aged just 20, Wharton could be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated walking into a dressing room consisting of Premier League and Champions League winners, however, the midfielder insists he’s been made to feel very welcome.
And Wharton also addressed comments by his dad, who suggested his son is a bit of a loner, joking that he’s not one to totally isolate himself from company.
Speaking about his family’s reaction to his call-up at a press conference, Wharton told talkSPORT: “They were probably happier than I was when I received the news. Especially my parents, they were over the moon and just proud of how far I’ve come in a short space of time.
“They really enjoy watching the football and that just adds a bit more. They were really delighted. They’ve been massive.
“I’ve got two older brothers, playing with them in the garden and they beat me up a few times. That all helps getting used to the physical side of the game.
“My dad gives me loads of advice. We’re a very sporty family and all very supportive. That definitely helped me growing up and getting into it they have continued to support me even when I’m not playing in the youth set-up. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Wharton added: “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.”
Perhaps it’s not a surprise Wharton’s transition into international football has been so smooth – he has a pretty good midfield mentor in Declan Rice.
The Arsenal star is expected to be a key player for Gareth Southgate’s side in Germany and despite working together for a short period of time, Wharton said he’s already learnt plenty from Rice.
He said: “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.”
talkSPORT will have full commentary of every England game at Euro 2024 with their first match seeing them face Serbia on Sunday, kick-off 8pm.
News Summary:
- ‘A bit harsh!’ – Adam Wharton jokes about dad calling him a ‘loner’ and details help from Declan Rice
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.