Yahoo News Blackburn England star Adam Wharton looks unrecognisable before switch to football
A picture of Blackburn-born footballer Adam Wharton shows things could have been slightly different for the star if he hadn't switched to footy.
The 20-year-old creative midfielder is on the way to Euro 2024 with England, ahead of their opening game in the tournament on Sunday (June 16). Before signing a five-year deal with Crystal Palace at the start of February, Wharton first began his footballing career playing for his hometown of Blackburn, the Mirror reports.
But photos on social media show the 20-year-old creative midfielder worlds away from his life now.
Rising through the youth academy, the player bagged two goals and three assists under John Dahl Tomasson in the Championship, before adding a further three assists for the season after arriving at the London-based club. His year is also looking up as he recently caught the attention of England boss Gareth Southgate, who gave Wharton his first international appearance for the national team.
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Earlier this month, he played in the senior squad in the 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovnia at St James' Park and Southgate is taking the player to Germany for Euro 2024. This Sunday (June 16), England will face Serbia in their maiden game of the competition.
On Wharton, Southgate said last week: “We are really pleased with what he has done. It is, in terms of the importance of catching the eye, I guess a lot of that comes down to where we think we will need the positional cover, really but really impressed with how he has been.
"He is a very calm boy, he seems to have taken everything in his stride when you think of what the last year has been but when you talk to him, he is just pretty unflappable as he was on the pitch. That ability to receive and see a picture early isn’t something you should underestimate."
However, before making waves in the footballing world, Wharton played cricket in his hometown. A photo has shown up on social media this week showing him as part of the Lancashire Under-10s Country Cricket Club in 2014.
On the club's Facebook group, member John A Williams wrote: "From 10 years ago. Spot the England Footballer amongst a handful of young lads now making their way in County Cricket. The pathway works."
It showed Wharton at the ESCA Under 10 County Cricket Festival at King's College, Taunton. Alongside him were coaches Steve and Matt Critchley as well as big names including Lancs stars Joshua Boyden and Matthew Hurst, who was captain of the U10 team at the time.
And fans of the cricketer turned footballer were quick to comment on the post, singing Wharton's praise for his success in a completely different sport. One wrote: "Wharton!! What a talent!" while another added: "Well done Adam!"
