Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton withdraws from England U21 squad as injury precaution

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has again dropped out of the England Under-21 squad as an injury precaution.

The 20-year-old was originally called up to interim boss Ben Futcher’s squad for upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, but, after reporting to St George’s Park for medical assessment, returned to Palace earlier this week to continue his rehabilitation from a groin problem.

Wharton also dropped out of the U21 squad for the September internationals, and has been taking painkillers to get through Palace matches early this season.

The midfielder was a surprise call-up into the England senior squad this summer and travelled to Euro 2024, though he did not make an appearance at the tournament.

Palace have struggled in the early months of the season, with the Eagles in the relegation zone as one of four teams yet to win any of their first seven Premier League matches.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner had said last week that the club would speak with the Football Association (FA) and hoped Wharton would be relieved of international duty once more.

A statement from the FA on Thursday morning provided a squad update for Futcher’s U21s, with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney also withdrawing amid call-ups for Luton defender Teden Mengi and Oxford’s on-loan Tottenham striker Dane Scarlett.

The FA said: “Teden Mengi and Dane Scarlett have joined England MU21s ahead of their upcoming 2025 U21 EURO qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

“Luton Town defender Mengi previously represented the Young Lions during their 7-0 victory over Luxembourg in March, and has now been added to Ben Futcher’s squad, with Tino Livramento joining Lee Carsley’s senior men’s team ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.

“Tottenham Hotspur forward Scarlett, who is currently on loan at Oxford United, also made his England MU21s debut against Luxembourg, in the 3-0 away victory in September 2023 which kicked off the current qualifying campaign.

“Meanwhile, Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton will play no part in the upcoming fixtures, with both midfielders remaining with their clubs on medical advice.”