Adam Wharton says he believes he can step up as an England midfielder after Gareth Southgate lamented the absence of Kalvin Phillips in his game. Euro 2024 the group.
The Three Lions left fans frustrated and on Thursday night drew 1-1 with Denmark in Frankfurt. Midfield was a particular area of concern, with both Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold struggling against the wily Danes.
Southgate said in his post-match interview that England are trying new things to cope with the absence of Phillips, who had a strong Euro 2020 campaign but has struggled since joining Manchester City in 2022.
“We know we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips,” said the 53-year-old bravely.
Fans and experts quickly criticized Southgate's words, pointing out that there are players who can play such a role in England's midfield, Wharton being one of the emerging players.
Wharton joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February and had an impressive second half of the 2023/24 season with the Eagles which led to his surprise call-up to the summer tournament in Germany.
The 20-year-old told the media: “I believe that no matter who, where, when I play football I can disrupt the game. You have to think like that.
“If I thought 'I can't stand this', what would I be doing here [at the European Championship]? The way I look at it now, I believe that I can disrupt any game that I play so I make sure that I am ready if I am asked to help.
“You look at the last Euros and Kalvin was one of the best players in England until we reached the final. If there was someone like that playing in this tournament you would say the same thing I think.
“It's hard to say because I haven't seen him much in the last couple of seasons, but there are probably similarities in how we play and some qualities. There will be things that he's better than me and I'm better than him obviously.”
The Three Lions face Slovenia on Tuesday, aiming to top Group C.
READ MORE ENGLAND LATEST NEWS, QUOTES AND MATCH PREVIEWS
Source link
