Crystal Palace won the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano to claim their first ever European trophy, with Adam Wharton delivering a man-of-the-match performance. Wharton, 22, impressed by advancing the ball from deep and helping Palace control possession. Despite his display, he will not travel to the summer World Cup after England manager Thomas Tuchel selected Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham, and Morgan Rogers as midfield options. Former England players Glenn Hoddle and Joleon Lescott expressed surprise at the omission, praising Wharton’s forward play, passing range, professionalism, and mental strength.
""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 said before the game, he could easily play for England.""
"There was only real one winner of the man of the match award after Wharton's performance. It was not just how he advanced the ball from deep, it was how he helped Palace control possession in Ray"
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