Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been full of praise for two youngsters who received surprise international call-ups this summer.
Ahead of the European Championship tournament in Germany, England manager Gareth Southgate has had to make a few tough decisions for his final 26-man squad.
James Maddison, Jarrad Branthwaite and Harry Maguire (injury) are some of the names who have missed out ahead of the tournament with some exclusions more surprising than others.
It’s not just exclusions from the team that have caused a few eyebrows to be raised but Southgate’s inclusions have surprised a few, with two call-ups, in particular, being a surprise.
Lampard full of praise for two youngsters
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Chelsea midfielder and manager Frank Lampard was keen to praise Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton after their England call-up.
“I have been hugely impressed but I am not surprised, in terms of their England performances,” he said. “I think both of them on their debuts made outstanding performances.
“I remember in my early days, the feeling of nerves sometimes, am I meant to be here, settling into a team, going to play at Wembley.
“It is a real step up so to perform as they have done and show that level, it is why Gareth picked them. Because I am sure that there is always that worry over a player that has just come onto the scene, quite young, can they handle tournament football yet.
“They have both shown it, they have both shown their quality. It is great to see the balance of the squad that is travelling weeks away together.”
Mainoo and Wharton could be key
Had someone predicted six months ago that Mainoo and Wharton would be in the Euros squad, they’d have been called mad.
However, the pair fully deserve it with Mainoo, in particular, continuing to excel on the big stage as he netted the decisive second goal for Manchester United in the FA Cup final last month.
As for Wharton, who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers during the January transfer window, he has also excelled and could play a key role for the Three Lions during the upcoming tournament alongside Declan Rice.
Southgate will have a big decision on his hands as to who plays next to Rice next weekend.
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