Declan Rice integral to Adam Wharton settling in as England 'dream comes true'

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Evening Standard

·12 June 2024

Declan Rice integral to Adam Wharton settling in as England 'dream comes true'

Three Lions rookie keen to learn from midfield companion

Adam Wharton has hailed Declan Rice’s role in easing his shock transition into the senior England squad, as the Crystal Palace upstart prepares for the “dream come true” of representing his country at Euro 2024.

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Wharton was playing Championship football with Blackburn as recently as January but his call-up for this summer’s tournament has capped a whirlwind rise over the last six months.

Having swapped Blackburn for Palace midway through the season, the midfielder excelled during the Eagles’ flying finish to the campaign and caught the eye of Gareth Southgate during the search for a solution to his midfield headache.

Wharton was still uncapped when called into England’s provisional squad, but impressed in a half-hour cameo on debut against Bosnia & Herzegovina earlier this month and was retained in Southgate’s final 26.

“It is a surreal feeling,” the 20-year-old said. “Honestly I wasn’t really expecting it. I have only just gone into the Premier League. It was more of a bonus if I got in, so I’m absolutely delighted.

“It’s just a dream come true. Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League and for their country.

“I got to play for the team I support and really enjoyed that and it really continued with moving to the Premier League and now here. It’s all very fast but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Rice was effusive in his praise for Wharton when speaking to the press last week, insisting his new teammates is “ready for the big stage” despite his inexperience at international level.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo all in contention, Wharton remains an outside bet to partner Rice in Sunday’s group stage opener against Serbia, but is already benefiting from training alongside England’s senior midfield man.

"I spoke to Declan and he is a top player, you have seen that in the last few seasons,” Wharton said. “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.”