Returning to the Young Lions, the 21-year-old did not take part in training at St George’s Park as he had a scheduled rest day but did make an appearance at the end of the session to sign autographs for local school children.
Wharton, who has made three starts for Palace since returning from groin surgery, came close to being named in Tuchel’s first squad in this international period after the new boss was impressed with the midfielder on two visits to Selhurst Park last month.
Tuchel eventually decided that substantial minutes for Carsley’s Under-21s, alongside a couple of training sessions with the senior squad, would benefit him in this break.
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The Under-21s have two games in three days, facing France in Lorient before taking on Portugal at the Hawthorns.
Palace have carefully managed Wharton’s minutes over the last month, easing him back into action after going under the knife. When asked specifically about his workload, Young Lions boss Carsley admitted he must be mindful of managing his minutes.
“We have a few issues in the squad with players playing a lot of minutes, so the communication will be ongoing with the clubs,” said Carsley.
“What I wouldn't do at their age group is put them under pressure to get injured and miss games because they are still growing into their bodies. We have to be mindful of that.”
🦅 Adam Wharton training with the England senior side. #CPFC pic.twitter.com/Hd0vGpHWl3
— Bobby Manzi (@BobbyManzi) March 18, 2025
Wharton’s Palace teammate Dean Henderson spoke to talkSPORT during England’s media day on Tuesday, with the shot-stopper hailing the Lancastrian for being in and around the squad despite his limited club minutes.
“He probably didn’t expect to be called up because he’s only just come back – he hasn’t played a full 90 minutes,” Henderson revealed.
“I don’t think he would have been expecting it, but to have got as close to a call up as he did just shows how good of a player he is.
“I’m sure that will change if he keeps performing well. He’s been training with us for the last couple of days, he’s an exciting player and a great character.”