Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has revealed that England manager Thomas Tuchel sent him a personal message reassuring him he “deserves” to be in the national squad — despite leaving him out of the latest selection.
Thomas Tuchel announced his England squad on Friday for the upcoming friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier with Latvia, but his choices raised plenty of eyebrows. High-profile names including Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were all omitted, while Wharton was also overlooked despite his outstanding form for Palace in 2025.
The 21-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders this year, helping Crystal Palace lift the FA Cup and go on an incredible 19-game unbeaten run that only ended last weekend against Everton.
Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall Ruben Loftus-Cheek — who hasn’t played for England since 2017 — and the out-of-form Morgan Rogers instead of Wharton has left many puzzled.
“He’s a player, he can play, why’s he not in the England squad?” questioned Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast. “Especially when they’re short on midfielders with injuries to Bellingham and [Cole] Palmer. I don’t understand it.”
Wharton, however, insists he’s taking the snub in stride. Speaking after Palace’s defeat to Everton, he revealed Thomas Tuchel reached out privately to explain the decision.
“He just gave me a message saying I’m playing well, I’m close and I deserve to be there, but he’s going to stick with the same team,” Wharton said. “That’s football — I’m not too fussed. I can take the time off, go see my grandparents. There’s another camp next month. I’m just focused on Crystal Palace — if I play well, the rest will follow.”
Wharton made his senior England debut under Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2024, where he was part of the squad that reached the final, but he has earned just one cap so far.
Despite missing out this time, the midfielder remains highly regarded across Europe, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich all reportedly monitoring the £100 million-rated talent.
“England have some top players,” Wharton added. “No matter who he picks, someone’s going to miss out. I’m just happy playing for Palace and improving — if the call comes, great. If not, I’ll keep doing my job.”
