Wharton played the full 90 minutes, despite entering the match with an injury worry, completed 81 per cent of his passes, created two chances and was involved in Jean-Philippe Mateta’s winning goal. It was somewhat of a coming-of-age showing from the 22-year-old, who is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Wharton is expected to move on at the end of the season, having originally joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in 2024. He’s gone from strength to strength in the months and years since, with the midfielder being tipped to become one of Europe’s finest talents.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are among the big names said to be vying for Wharton’s signature. But if you were in charge of the Lancashire-born star’s future, where would you be telling him to go?
What do you think? Who should Adam Wharton sign for this summer? Vote in our poll below. And have your say in the comments too.
Wharton’s omission from the World Cup squad was all the rage in the build-up to Wednesday’s final. Former Three Lions boss Glenn Hoddle told TNT Sports: “A little bit surprised [he’s been left out].
“I love the way he looks forward and passes. He can hit killer balls, balls that take the whole defence out with one pass. I am not sure we have got that many who can do that from a deep-lying position on a consistent level. So definitely my eyebrows went up when I saw he wasn’t there.”
While adding afterwards: “This is the quality that we have got. I would have had him in the squad. He is a wonderful footballer. He is a top professional. He could easily play for England but which one [midfielder] shouldn’t be playing?”
All of England’s central midfielders are right-footed, with many suggesting the left-footed Wharton could’ve acted as a point of difference. Regardless, England’s World Cup journey gets underway next month when they come up against Croatia in Texas. After that, it’s group matches against Ghana and Panama, with the knockouts getting underway from the round-of-32 stage.