Euro 2024 Excitement: Mainoo and Wharton ‘Completely Deserve’ England Squad Spots
As the highly anticipated Euro 2024 campaign approaches, Chelsea legend and former England international Frank Lampard has expressed his firm backing for Gareth Southgate’s decision to include young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton in the England squad.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Lampard praised the performances of the 19-year-old Mainoo and the 20-year-old Wharton, who have both made their international debuts in recent months. “I have been hugely impressed, but I am not surprised, in terms of their England performances,” Lampard stated. “I think both of them on their debuts made outstanding performances.”
Lampard emphasized the maturity and composure displayed by the duo, noting the challenges of transitioning to the international stage. “It is a real step up, so to perform as they have done and show that level, it is why Gareth picked them,” he said. “They completely deserve their places; they are both brilliant players and they are just at the start of their careers.”
“We are fortunate to have them in the England set-up because that technical ability they have to move the ball from midfield is the level that you need in modern football, and it is great,” Lampard emphasized.
Southgate’s final Euro 2024 squad selection has not been without its challenges, with several key players such as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Lewis Dunk facing injury concerns. However, the inclusion of the young midfield duo has been widely praised, with Lampard confident in their ability to thrive on the big stage.
As the journey towards Euro 2024 begins, England fans will be eagerly anticipating the performances of Mainoo and Wharton, who have undoubtedly earned their place in Southgate’s squad through their impressive displays at the international level.
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