- England beat New Zealand
- Fans feel Thomas Tuchel made mistake
- German omitted Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton
England beat New Zealand 1-0 in the first of their final two pre-World Cup warm-up games, and fans are frustrated. Thomas Tuchel’s men put in a lacklustre performance at Raymond James Stadium.
Tuchel has come under fire since announcing his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. One of his most controversial decisions was omitting Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
England’s win came courtesy of a Harry Kane winner in the 45+3rd minute. Just four of their 18 shots were on target, and it wasn’t the kind of football performance that gives supporters optimism.
Tuchel’s Wharton mistake
The main issue was a clear lack of creativity, and the Three Lions lacked a spark in the middle of the park. While many, including Tuchel, will insist this game was all about players’ fitness, the Three Lions should be easing to victory over a New Zealand team that lost 4-0 to Haiti.
Wharton likely sat at home watching his compatriots fail to impress. He finished his season by helping Palace win the UEFA Conference League.
Tuchel outrageously claimed that the 22-year-old had “lost a bit of form” in March when explaining his decision to snub him. That was, quite frankly, a ridiculous analysis, given that the Eagles midfielder burst into life from that Month onwards.
England has one more friendly before the World Cup, which comes against Costa Rica on Wednesday (June 10th). On the evidence of Saturday’s outing, their status as one of the tournament’s favourites is at risk.
“Screaming for Wharton” – England fans want Crystal Palace star
Not only were Palace fans highlighting England’s dull display, but they also noted how they’d have benefited from Wharton’s profile. Other supporters are also frustrated that he hasn’t been picked.
One fan wrote: “Seriously, why the bloody hell is Adam Wharton not there?”
Another added: “Not exactly filling us with confidence before the World Cup. Still time to add Wharton to the squad though.”
One said: “The England midfield looking exactly how it should without Adam Wharton. Lethargic, off the pace, and struggling against lower standard opponents.”
Another agreed: “England are too robotic and predictable. It’s screaming for Adam Wharton. How Tuchel doesn’t see it is baffling.”
One wrote: “I do hope I’m proved spectacularly wrong but why the hell is Jordan Henderson anywhere near the England team… Wharton sat at home must be scratching his head wondering how he’s not there too.”
Another responded: “I still think it’s nuts Adam Wharton didn’t make the England squad.”
One said: “Consequence of having no Wharton, the football is quite frankly boring.”
Wharton has earned four caps to date for England and has been part of the squad that finished runners-up at Euro 2024. He responded to Tuchel omitting him by insisting he’s not going to sit and cry about it and instead focused on helping Palace become Conference League winners.
