Declan Rice has explained how Adam Wharton has impressed his England team-mates in training amid a message to fellow midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
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Rice, Wharton & Mainoo in England squadArsenal man impressed by WhartonBright future ahead with him & MainooWHAT HAPPENED?
Wharton, 20, was playing in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers at the start of this season and Mainoo, 19, was yet to make his breakthrough at Manchester United. Now the former has starred for Crystal Palace and the latter has been a key player for the Red Devils – which led to both getting selected for England's final 26-man Euro 2024 squad. Arsenal star Rice, 25, feels with these two in the Three Lions' midfield, the team's future is bright.
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Rice told reporters: “I think we saw in the last camp against Belgium and Brazil what Kobbie could do. Obviously the last six months, all season really, what he’s done at Manchester United and he clearly deserves his place in the squad. Adam played his first half of the season in the Championship, came to Crystal Palace and has been outstanding. I think in training he’s impressed a lot of players – he is so composed and calm on the ball. He’s got a beautiful left foot, just a really down to earth boy, wants to learn. I think he’s one of those that doesn’t get fazed by big things. So they are two great additions and the future’s looking bright in midfield.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
England are aiming to win their first silverware since the 1966 World Cup and this squad may be their best chance to end that barren run. With young talent such as Wharton, Mainoo, and Rice, the Three Lions are primed to have a successful tournament in Germany this summer.
Getty WHAT NEXT?
Rice, Wharton, and Mainoo could feature in England's final warm-up game against Iceland on Friday night but it remains to be seen who will be in Gareth Southgate's starting XI for their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on June 16.