Thomas Tuchel has been urged to include Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in his England plans, despite the 21-year-old not playing a single minute across the last three internationals.
The call has come from former Premier League striker Darren Bent, who believes Wharton has done enough at club level to earn a regular place in the squad as Tuchel shapes his group ahead of the World Cup.
Wharton has been in the set-up but has watched recent matches from the bench, with England opting for other options in the middle of the pitch. That lack of game time has not changed Bent’s view, with the ex-forward insisting Tuchel should keep faith with the Palace man.
“All day long,” Bent said when asked if Wharton should be selected. “He’s got to go.”
Wharton has impressed since arriving at Selhurst Park and has quickly built a reputation for his passing range and calm play in possession, which has kept his name in the conversation around England’s midfield options.
Tuchel, now leading England, is expected to assess his squad carefully as he looks to settle on the right blend of experience and form for the challenges ahead. Bent’s message is clear: Wharton should be part of that group, even if his recent minutes in an England shirt have been limited.
