Former England internationals Jermaine Jenas and Chris Waddle have backed Adam Wharton for a big role at next summer’s World Cup.
Wharton has impressed at Crystal Palace this season with the midfielder ranking sixth in the Premier League for expected assists.
The 21-year-old has won three caps for England since being named as a shock inclusion in the Euro 2024 squad, but both Jenas and Waddle believe he could play prominently at this summer’s World Cup.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson appears to be in possession of a midfield spot as things stand, though Wharton is considered arguably his biggest challenger to partner Declan Rice. In comments published by Essential Football, Jenas and Waddle said Wharton shades it when picking between the pair.
“I really like balance in midfield, and don’t get me wrong, I think Elliot Anderson is a fantastic footballer, and I think he’s doing brilliant stuff at Forest and he’s passed his test with England with flying colours,” Jenas, who won 21 caps for the Three Lions, said.
— Adam Wharton (@AdamWharton10) September 28, 2025
“However, I think Adam Wharton offers you something totally different in terms of a level of control, and that left-hand side balance.
“Also, I think that when England are playing in the States, when it’s going to be absolutely scorching hot, that ball retention is going to be a key component to your progression in the tournament. Because of that, I would go for Wharton, personally.”
Waddle agreed with Jenas and said Wharton would offer England greater defensive security, a scenario which could bring the best from Rice.
“Anderson has more licence to get around the pitch. I’m not saying he’s got more energy, but he does get forward more. If you’re pairing someone with Declan Rice, I’d probably go with Wharton.
“Declan Rice has become a far better player since he’s been allowed to get forward. He’s now box-to-box, he scores goals, makes runs and drives into the final third. Wharton could sit and say, “You do that, I’ll stay here and distribute,” which is the role Rice used to play himself.
“If you’re playing three in midfield and one is a number 10, Rice almost becomes a half number 10 now because of how much he gets forward. In that case, Wharton becomes your safeguard in front of the centre-halves.
“If you look at England’s weaknesses going into a World Cup, defending could be an issue. You’ll probably need that screen in front of the defence. If that’s the case, I’d go with Wharton.
“If the manager wants to be more adventurous, Anderson can do the job as well, because he does create and drive forward. But overall, Wharton probably just edges it for me.”
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