The England national team head coach, Thomas Tuchel, was deliberate in his choice of words when analyzing the performance of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in the match against Albania on Sunday night. The Three Lions encountered difficulty in breaking down the well-organized Albanian side but managed to secure a win with goals from Harry Kane in the 74th and later on in the game. This match marked Wharton’s first start for England in the final game of the World Cup qualifying campaign, and he was substituted for Elliot Anderson, his main competitor for a deep midfield role for the World Cup, in the 75th minute.

Known for his progressive passing from deep positions, Wharton continued to showcase this skill against Albania, even though the congested midfield limited its impact on England’s attacking play. However, Tuchel’s tactics added an additional layer of complexity to Wharton’s performance. In the first half, Tuchel utilized John Stones in a dual role, shifting between center-half and deep midfield, resulting in inconsistent build-up play for England. This forced Wharton to adapt dynamically, sometimes without a midfield partner as Stones moved forward or even dropping back into center-half to distribute the ball.

Following halftime adjustments that saw a shift to a 4-3-3 formation, Wharton found himself occasionally isolated as Declan Rice took on a more advanced role, almost playing alongside Jude Bellingham in the attacking midfield. Despite these challenges, Wharton managed to remain composed and productive throughout the match, earning a commendable performance rating of 7/10. With a passing accuracy of 91%, three chances created, and three interceptions made – the best figures among England players – Wharton showcased his abilities on the international stage.

Tuchel acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Wharton during the match, praising his efforts in difficult circumstances, stating, “Overall he did well.” As both Wharton and Anderson offer distinct skill sets in the midfield, Tuchel faces significant decisions regarding squad selection for the upcoming World Cup. Wharton’s progressive passing style presents a valuable asset for the team, potentially securing him a spot in England’s World Cup squad. The match against Albania marked a solid start for Wharton, showcasing his potential for future international matches.