Saturday, November 23, 2024

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton named in England U21s squad amid fitness issues

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Wharton, 20, travelled to the senior European Championships this summer but spent the entirety of the tournament on the bench.

Ahead of last month’s international break, the midfielder was demoted to the under-21s, with Lee Carsley sharing: “He was a player we watched a lot last season. He’s a player who will be really important to us in the future. I think it will be good for him to go and have a few games for under-21s.”

However, after a demanding summer, the Eagles midfielder pulled out of Ben Futcher’s squad due to struggling with the physical demands of returning to club football. 

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The Englishman has featured in each of Palace’s six league games this season while having his minutes managed in cup competitions. 

Frustrated with his selection, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner shared that the club and the Football Association are discussing Wharton’s ability to play for the Young Lions – hinting that the 20-year-old could withdraw from the squad.

“We’re in talks with the U21s,” Glasner said. “He will go there to have a medical assessment.

“We expect that he comes back again because he struggles and he is still struggling.

“It’s about managing him as good as possible. We know it’s not a good situation. It could help if the England U21s support Adam as well.”

Palace face Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Saturday, before Wharton joins the Young Lions next week ahead of two crucial home qualifiers. 

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