England star becomes first player to respond to Gareth Southgate's Kalvin Phillips claim

Adam Wharton has shared his thoughts on Kalvin Phillips not being at Euro 2024 following Gareth Southgate's claim after England's draw against Denmark.

England played out a 1-1 draw with Denmark in their second game of Euro 2024.

The Three Lions came under fire for their underwhelming showing in Frankfurt as Southgate name dropped Phillips after the result.

He admitted starting Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield is an 'experiment' and said the national team lack a replacement for Manchester City's Phillips.

That's despite the 27-year-old not playing for his country in seven months.

And Southgate boasts the likes of Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo not to mention Wharton, who impressed at Crystal Palace last season.

Wharton made his senior England debut before Euro 2024 and was selected in Southgate's 26-man squad for the tournament.

He's yet to play a single minute in Germany but could feature against Slovenia next Tuesday.

Ahead of potentially playing in England's final group game, he touched on Southgate's claim about Phillips.

"You look at the last Euros and Kalvin was one of the best players for England and we got to the final. If there was someone like that playing at this tournament, you'd be saying the same thing I think," he said.

"It's difficult to say because I've not seen too much of him the last couple of seasons.

"But there's probably similarities in where we play and certain attributes, but there's obviously going to be things he's better than me at and I'm better than him at."

Adam Wharton during England training. Image: Getty

On his own game, the 20-year-old added: "I have got belief that no matter who, where, when I play football, I can affect a game, so you have to think like that.

"If I think I can’t handle this, then what am I doing here? The way I look at it now, I believe I can affect any game I play so I am just making sure I am ready if I am called upon to help."