Adam Wharton says Thomas Tuchel told him that he ‘deserves’ to be in the England squad despite snubbing the Crystal Palace star.
On Friday, Tuchel named his England squad for the upcoming friendly with Wales and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
His selection shocked many, with several big names like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish omitted.
Wharton was also left out despite his brilliant form in 2025, helping Palace win the FA Cup and go on an incredible 19-game unbeaten run which came to an end at the hands of Everton on Sunday.
The midfielder’s snub is even more baffling when one considers that Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who hasn’t played for England for seven years, and the struggling Morgan Rogers were picked instead.
‘He’s a player, he can play, why’s he not in the England squad?’ Three Lions legend Gary Lineker questioned on the Rest is Football podcast.
‘Especially at the moment, they’re short on midfield players because of injuries. No Bellingham or [Cole] Palmer. I don’t understand it.’
But Wharton insists he is not bothered and revealed that Tuchel text him to explain his decision: ‘He just gave me a message saying I’m playing well, I’m close and I deserve to be there but he’s going to stick with the same team.
‘That’s football, I’m not too fussed about that. I can take the time off, go see my grandparents, and it’s not the end of the world as there’s another camp next month.
‘I’m just focusing on Crystal Palace and playing well and hopefully if I play well I’ll get the call. It’s nice to hear [what Tuchel said] but I think my focus is on Palace and if that goes well then England is just a bonus.’
Wharton was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad that reached the final of Euro 2024 but has only been capped once for his country, coming on as a late sub in a pre-tournament friendly.
Untimely injuries have played a part, but many fans and pundits believe the 21-year-old should be an integral part of the England team, especially with the World Cup around the corner.
Should Adam Wharton be in the England squad?
His performances are also earning admirers across the Premier League and Europe, with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich interested in signing the £100million-rated player.
‘Nothing is expected,’ Wharton added. ‘England have some top players and he’s got a lot of players to choose from. No matter who he picks someone is not going to get in and there will be a fuss about it.
‘I can’t sit here and cry about it, this is football and I’m happy playing for Palace and getting minutes and trying to do as well as I can and improve and if I get picked I get picked. If not I’ll carry on playing for Palace and enjoying it – there’s nothing else I can do really.’
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