Pick Adam Wharton for England midfield — he’s going to be better than Gazza, says his school coach

Adam Wharton’s first coach said his “magic” could unlock the Slovenia defence as he called on Gareth Southgate to use him to breathe new life into England’s midfield.

The Crystal Palace player, 20, was considered a surprise inclusion in the squad to most but coach Charlie Jackson predicted it weeks ago.

Wharton did not feature in England’s 1-0 win over Serbia or the 1-1 draw with Denmark but Jackson thinks his protégé could play a part in tonight’s match against Slovenia. Jackson, 56, who taught Wharton at Moorland School in Lancashire, told the Standard: “Adam has the vision and play to link up with forwards seamlessly. Adam could fit into the midfield due to his fearless approach, using his magic to unlock Slovenia’s defence.”

Wharton is one of four Palace players in the England squad. Jackson added: “Adam is something special. He really is going to be world class, he really is like a Messi with bags of God-given talent. He is going to better than Gazza ... he is an artist, he looks at the pitch and he sees things others don’t. He is minutes ahead of others in the game. In his head he knows what he is going to do very quickly.”

The coach, who taught him from age 11 to 16, said that Wharton was also a great student and could pass GCSEs without revising.

Jackson continued: “He is a very bright lad, excellent at maths and science, and great to be around as well. Like Declan Rice he speaks well and brings people together. He is humble and treats everyone well. He is the definition of a role model.”

Wharton moved from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace where he contributed to a strong finish to the season.