Adam Wharton does not expect age to be a barrier to his England hopes at Euro 2024 as the midfielder revelled in a surreal feeling ahead of the major tournament.
Crystal Palace s Wharton was playing Championship football with Blackburn Rovers until his January move to the Premier League.
The next step on his seismic rise comes this month after making Gareth Southgate s final squad for the upcoming European Championship.
That reward followed after a remarkable second half to the season for Wharton, who is already attracting interest from Europe s elite clubs following his impressive showings for Oliver Glasner s Palace.
Wharton, aged just 20 for this UEFA tournament in Germany, wants to leave his mark and believes chances are there to be taken, despite his relative inexperience compared to his team-mates.
There are still players that have been in the team for a long time and some top young players in the team I think it s good to have that little mix, Wharton said on Wednesday.
If you re good enough, you re old enough.
It s a surreal feeling. Honestly, I wasn t expecting it. Just a dream come true. Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League, and play for their country.
I got to play for the team I supported to begin with, really enjoyed that and then it has continued since. Moving to the Premier League, now here, so it s all been very fast but I wouldn t want it any other way.
I have really enjoyed the last six months and I just want to keep playing, getting better.
A dream come true to make my debut for my country
— Adam Wharton (@AdamWharton10)
Wharton will battle with Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo for a role in Southgate s midfield, while Jude Bellingham remains an option if moved deeper.
That does not concern the 20-year-old, however, as Wharton realises his dreams on the international scene.
I am just absolutely delighted, he added. I get to do what I love on the top stage, you can t beat it.
