EXCLUSIVE
‘They deserve it’ – Frank Lampard blown away by young England duo who got surprise nod from Gareth Southgate
England duo Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton 'completely deserve' to be in the Euro 2024 squad this summer.
That is the verdict from Chelsea legend and former England international Frank Lampard, who spoke exclusively to talkSPORT ahead of the upcoming Euro 2024 campaign.
3
When asked about Gareth Southgate's decision to take the young duo Mainoo, 19, and Wharton, 20, Lampard insisted he is completely behind the England boss.
"I have been hugely impressed but I am not surprised, in terms of their England performances," he told talkSPORT. "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.
READ MORE ON EURO 2024
"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.
"When you have that real youthfulness, they are players that want to get on the pitch and impress and if they are not starting they are great around the place because of how they are, they are desperate to get involved and be there.
"So it has been a really positive influx into the squad. They completely deserve their places, they are both brilliant players and they are just at the start of their careers.
Most read in Euro 2024
3
3
"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."
Southgate has made some huge calls ahead of the tournament in Germany that starts in a week.
Darren Bent left stunned as Andy Goldstein calls Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo England's most important player ahead of Euro 2024
That includes dropping Jack Grealish and James Maddison and several other stars and including young duo Mainoo and Wharton.
Before March, neither had played for England with Wharton only making his international debut against Bosnia on Monday, wowing talkSPORT's Adrian Durham.
However, the two looked so impressive that Southgate almost had no choice but to include the pair.
But the final squad has not been without its problems with Harry Maguire missing out due to injury, while Manchester United teammate Luke Shaw and defender Lewis Dunk are also nursing injuries.
talkSPORT BET Euro's Offer
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets - download the app to claim
18+ New customers only. Opt in via app & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
Topics