Gary Lineker tips uncapped midfielder ‘may be good enough’ to make England Euro 2024 squad

Gary Lineker thinks uncapped Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton merits a place in England's Euro 2024 squad.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona ace believes the 20-year-old sensation is capable of making the Three Lions' roster for the upcoming Euros. Wharton has been a revelation since he joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in the January transfer window.

The Eagles forked out £18million on the midfielder, but that figure could potentially see an increase of £4million due to add-ons. The investment has quickly started to bear fruit as Wharton smoothly transitioned from the Championship to Premier League dynamism, leading to whispers of a senior international call-up. Notably, he only made his Under-21 debut in March.

Lineker drew attention to Wharton's talent during his discussion about Palace's latest performance against Manchester United, which saw them record a 4-0 victory. He was chatting with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer on their podcast 'The Rest Is Football'.

During the conversation, Richards enthusiastically praised Wharton's performances for Palace, reports the Mirror. "It's not just [Michael] Olise and [Eberechi] Eze - Wharton in midfield, oh my," Richards passionately stated.

"So I knew he were coming from Blackburn and he went for big money, for someone we've not seen that much. And I watched him and I thought 'this guy's a player'."

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"But to go into the Premier League and do what he's doing. He's so calm on the ball, but he's aggressive, but can pass. His left foot is, wow, it's amazing. He's another one that I'm thinking the Euros come just a little bit too soon."

Gary Lineker chimed in with his thoughts on the young talent's chances for an England call-up, suggesting that while it might be a bit soon, the player's potential is evident. "Just probably come too early for him, but it is a position that obviously we're a little bit light in," said the football pundit.

"That kind of defensive midfield role. I was thinking when I was watching the game, 'he might be good enough, he might be'. But I suspect it's probably too early because he's (Southgate) not had a chance to look at him or anything like that. It's that old adage isn't it, 'if you're good enough, you're old enough'."

Richards also pointed out UEFA's recent decision to expand squad sizes for the upcoming tournament, meaning the door could be open for unexpected selections. "It's a 26-man squad, there's going to be a wildcard or two in there," Richards added.

"If you need that position, little bit of help in midfield. He's got something special, I'm telling you. Well we all can see it, you don't have to be a rocket scientist. But he's performed really well at Palace."

England manager Gareth Southgate will be left with many tough choices to make before he finalises his squad for the announcement on May 21. The midfield conundrum continues, with Kobbie Mainoo seemingly impressing enough to earn a spot in the squad and potentially even the starting XI.

With a plethora of wingers in top form, decisions will have to be made regarding whether Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen get the nod over out-of-form Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.