Tuchel’s biggest mistake? Wharton shines after England omissionImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Wharton was crucial to Palace’s success in the Conference LeagueByChris McKennaBBC Sport journalistPublished30 minutes agoEngland boss Thomas Tuchel created many talking points with his England World Cup squad selection last week – but Adam Wharton’s performance in Crystal Palace‘s night of European history only made for more debate about his omission.
The Palace midfielder delivered a man-of-the-match display as the Eagles beat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final to win their first ever European trophy.
Wharton, 22, will not travel to this summer’s tournament after Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel picked Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers as his midfield options.
Former England star Glenn Hoddle was among the many surprised by the decision and aired his views before and after Wharton delivered an impressive performance in Palace’s historic night.
“A little bit surprised,” he told TNT Sports before the 1-0 victory in Leipzig.
“I love the way he looks forward and passes. He can hit killer balls, balls that take the whole defence out with one pass.
“I am not sure we have got that many who can do that from a deep-lying position on a consistent level. So definitely my eyebrows went up when I saw he wasn’t there.”
After the game, Hoddle added: “This is the quality that we have got. I would have had him in the squad. He is a wonderful footballer.
“He is a top professional. He could easily play for England but which one [midfielder] shouldn’t be playing?”
Former England and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott added: “He hasn’t let that decision impact his performance.
“He is a top professional as well as mentally strong enough to deal with setbacks and to cope with that. Like I reported before the game, he could easily play for England.”
