- Adam Wharton has returned to Crystal Palace
- Eagles star sustained a knock vs Uruguay
- England boss Tuchel on ‘obvious talent’
Adam Wharton’s international break has been cut short and he has returned to Crystal Palace after sustaining a knock in England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay. The young midfielder came on in the 47th minute at Wembley in the first of the Three Lions’ three pre-World Cup friendlies.
The 22-year-old will be hoping to be on the plane to North America for the biggest football tournament in the world. He was named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for March’s friendly encounters against Marcelo Bielsa’s South Americans and Japan on Tuesday (March 31st).
Wharton, unfortunately, won’t be in action against his Palace teammate Daichi Kamada after picking up an injury against Uruguay. Several contentious tackles occurred on the night that left Tuchel fuming, especially Ronald Araujo’s studs-up challenge on Phil Foden.
Back to Palace For Wharton
Bobby Manzi reports that Wharton has left the England camp and returned to Selhurst Park. He finished the game at Wembley and put in a fine display.
Palace will be hoping it’s nothing serious and just a precaution ahead of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Fiorentina. The first leg takes place on April 9th, giving him a decent amount of time to rest and be fully fit for the clash with the Serie A side.
Wharton has been a mainstay in Oliver Glasner’s team this season, appearing 41 times across competitions. He has missed only two games due to illness and will be a key man heading into the final stretch of the season.
A Blow For Wharton
Wharton earned his fourth cap for England in the draw against Uruguay last night. Ben White gave the Three Lions the lead before giving away a penalty, which was converted by Federico Valverde.
The Palace midfielder was forced to withdraw from Tuchel’s last squad in September due to injury. The German coach alluded to this after naming his 35-man squad for this break:
“This is now the third time that we call him and hopefully he will not pick up any injury or illness. The talent is obvious and he will be alongside Elliot Anderson and Jordan Henderson in defensive midfield and hopefully try to impress us.”
Tuchel appears to be a big fan:
“I think it’s the right thing to do, it’s the right call-up to reward him. Hopefully three times is the lucky number for him.”
Wharton will be hoping that Tuchel saw enough in his second-half appearance to remain in his plans for the World Cup. He’ll have the rest of the Eagles’ campaign to continue to impress.
The next time England are in action before the tournament is on June 10th when they face Costa Rica in a friendly. Tuchel will have named his World Cup squad by then, and those called up will be involved.
