Crystal Palace midfielder not fazed by England boss’ Selhurst Park visit after man of the match performance in Aston Villa win

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has played down any significance of turning in a man-of-the-match performance – in front of watching England manager Thomas Tuchel – in his return to a Premier League starting 11 for the first time since October as the Eagles down Aston Villa 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.

“There’s always going to be people watching, no matter who you’re playing,” said the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder. “When you’re playing in the Premier League anybody can be watching, so it doesn’t really change anything (if Tuchel is here). I’m just focusing on my game and trying to help the team. If he enjoys the performance, then that’s good.”

Wharton was expedited into Gareth Southgate’s 2024 UEFA European Championship squad last summer, but did not play. Soon after, former Palace academy graduate Southgate departed the role, handing it over to previous Under 21 manager Lee Carsley. Subsequently, he did not name Wharton in his games in charge while the FA was confirming Southgate’s appointment in Tuchel.

“It doesn’t matter if you know or if you don’t (that the England manager is watching),” said Wharton. “You’ve got to go into every game trying to put your best performance in. So, if he’s watching and you play well, then great. If he’s not watching and you play well, then it doesn’t matter, he’ll probably see the highlights. It doesn’t affect me; every game is the same.”

PICTURE: ALAMY