Why England star Adam Wharton's brother is banned from flying to Germany for Euro 2024
Adam Wharton's brother can't jet off to Germany this summer - but that hasn't stopped the 26-year-old from finding a way to reach Germany to support his younger sibling during England's Euro 2024 campaign.
Wharton cut himself one of England's most exciting young talents during last season's Premier League campaign with Crystal Palace. The starlet's display earned him a call-up into Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad. The 20-year-old has yet to make his competitive debut for the Three Lions, but the possibility could come later this month as England bid to bring home some silverware.
Being in Germany marks a remarkable rise for Wharton, 20, who just a handful of months ago was plying his trade alongside his brother, Scott, at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
And Scott has made sure he won't miss his brother's big day - even if it means embarking on a colossal road trip to get around medical advice against him flying.
The Blackburn defender is currently recovering from extensive knee surgery after sustaining an injury against Sheffield Wednesday in April. Wharton is set for a minimum of nine months out and will miss large periods of next season.
It is a cruel blow for the 26-year-old, who had found a rich vein of form following John Eustace's arrival, but was also advised by doctors that he was not able to jet out to Germany to watch his brother Adam in action.
But Scott has found a way around the doctor's orders: a lengthy road trip taking him across the continent in time for the tournament. "I can't fly for two months and it's been six weeks," Scott said, via ITV Granada, before England's opening 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday night.
Adam Wharton made his England debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina
"So me and my partner, we're driving to Hull to catch the ferry to Rotterdam and then drive into Dusseldorf, where we're staying for the first game. So it's more of a road trip, I'm looking forward to it!"
Both Adam and Scott made their way through Blackburn's academy. During last winter's transfer window, Wharton Jnr joined Palace in a move worth £22.5million. The move was swiftly vindicated as the midfielder made 16 top-flight appearances last season and caught the eye of Southgate.
Wharton earned his first cap for England in a 30-minute cameo in the 3-0 friendly win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite his inexperience at international level, Southgate included the youngster in his Euros squad.
Adam Wharton's brother Scott will be cheering him on in Germany
"Honestly I feel just like a proud dad," Scott said of his brother's inclusion. "The family obviously is massively proud of him, of how far he's come in such a short space of time. At the start of season, I don't think anyone would have predicted what's happened to him.
"So the fact that he's coming on for England, playing with some of the best players in the world is just incredible."
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