Wharton ready to sparkle as England's missing gem

Midfielder looks like perfect fit alongside Rice and Bellingham

- Dom Smith

ENGLAND'S starting line-up is the strongest across the continent and the principal reason Gareth Southgate's side are favourites to win Euro 2024.

Goalscorer? None better than Harry Kane. Elite wide players? Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. Chief creator? Jude Bellingham. Midfield engine room? Declan Rice.

But there is one significant piece missing from this rather lavish jigsaw.

To provide a platform for that dazzling front four, Rice needs a metronomic partner who can anchor himself to the middle of the park and keep things ticking over.

At Euro 2020, that calming influence was Kalvin Phillips. But Phillips is not an option this summer, his West Ham loan spell a disaster and his confidence shot.

Step forward Adam Wharton. The 20-year-old already looks like the perfect third piece in England's midfield.

Since his £22million January move from Blackburn to Crystal Palace and an error on his debut that led to a Brighton goal, he has seldom put a foot wrong.