Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Wharton ready to sparkle as England's missing gem
Evening Standard
|May 08, 2024
Midfielder looks like perfect fit alongside Rice and Bellingham
ENGLAND'S starting line-up is the strongest across the continent and the principal reason Gareth Southgate's side are favourites to win Euro 2024.
Goalscorer? None better than Harry Kane. Elite wide players? Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. Chief creator? Jude Bellingham. Midfield engine room? Declan Rice.
But there is one significant piece missing from this rather lavish jigsaw.
To provide a platform for that dazzling front four, Rice needs a metronomic partner who can anchor himself to the middle of the park and keep things ticking over.
At Euro 2020, that calming influence was Kalvin Phillips. But Phillips is not an option this summer, his West Ham loan spell a disaster and his confidence shot.
Step forward Adam Wharton. The 20-year-old already looks like the perfect third piece in England's midfield.
Since his £22million January move from Blackburn to Crystal Palace and an error on his debut that led to a Brighton goal, he has seldom put a foot wrong.
This story is from the May 08, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Evening Standard
The London Standard
Enter the Tardis of fun and chaos
Some years ago in a small town near Tours, France, I went with old pals to the only bar open on a Sunday evening.
1 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
HOW LABRINTH ESCAPED HIMSELF
Winning an Emmy for Euphoria and working with Beyoncé has seen the star take America by storm, but he's also faced darkness — and now recorded the best music of his career.
5 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
It's joking aside for George Clooney while Jeremy Corbyn and Jean Campbell get wickedly sinful
Some A-listers aren't on social media to protect their privacy or their mental health.
1 min
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
Model Jourdan Dunn loves a candlelit date at the Dover and checks in for pure luxury at the Peninsula
Home is... West London, always has been and always will be.
2 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
A day in the life Therabody founder Jason Wersland
The inventor kickstarts his day with a beach run, loves red light therapy and believes in meditating his way to success
3 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
At the table Fancy a five-hour queue for a pizza the action?
Only you know whether pizza is worth queuing five hours for, whether it is worth sleepless nights sitting in the torpid blue light of a smartphone screen searching in vain for a reservation that will never materialise. This is how it is with the Marlborough.
3 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
THEATRE'S MOST TALENTED STARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR OUR AWARDS
Cate Blanchett, Tom Hiddleston and Rachel Zegler are shortlisted as the Standard's celebration of the stage returns.
5 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
Question over Odegaard’s return after Eze’s statement derby show
The Arsenal captain faces a fight to get back in the side after summer signing dazzles.
2 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
A London family home for under £500k?
YES, INDEED THESE FIVE POSTCODES OFFER WHOLE HOUSES AND ATTRACTIVE LOCAL AMENITIES
4 mins
November 27, 2025
The London Standard
Angry, intolerant, divided and priced-out: why I fear the Zoomers
To understand the man, you have to know what was happening in the world when he was 20
3 mins
November 27, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size