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Adam Wharton is determined to put an injury hit season behind him during the upcoming campaign. Having hit the ground running when he first went to Selhurst Park in January 2024, the Crystal Palace midfielder endured a stop-start season due to a series of spells on the treatment table. Wharton made 27 appearances across all competitions for Oliver Glasner's side although he remained a key man for the Eagles despite missing three months between November and February with a groin injury. The fitness woes did impact the 21-year-old's England prospects, though, following his debut last summer. After featuring against Bosnia & Herzegovina in June 2024, Wharton was included in the squad for Euro 2024. Although he did not feature during the Three Lions' run to the final, he was tipped to soon add to his number of caps. Instead, Wharton has since been limited to two just under-21 appearances without being named in a senior squad by new boss Thomas Tuchel. However, he did train with the senior side during the March international break. The Palace star is hoping to re-establish himself in the England fold this season, though, as he outlined his aims for the upcoming season. Wharton told talk SPORT: "My season last year was a bit stop-start with injury. "So for Palace, I want to stay as fit as possible, play as many games as I can, because obviously we'll have a lot of games this year, hopefully. "And just try and help the team as much as possible and to do even better than we did last year. "Then, I think every player that's English in the Premier League wants to be picked to go to America come the end of their season. "I don't really set too many goals personally. I just take it game by game, trying to improve and I can feel within myself if I'm doing well or I can be doing better. "Obviously when the time comes, then you're hopeful that your name will be picked and you're on the plane. " The 2026 World Cup will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA next summer between June 11 and July 19. England are yet to qualify for the tournament but are on course to book their place as one of 48 countries taking part. The Three Lions are four points clear at the top of their qualification group having winning each of their opening three matches - although they were roundly criticised for a narrow win over minnows Andorra in their last qualifier. If they successfully reach the finals, Tuchel will name a squad of 26 players for the tournament. It would be the first World Cup of Wharton's career if he earns a spot on the plane. Wharton had been speaking ahead of the Community Shield against Liverpool, live on talk SPORT. The traditional curtain raiser will see the FA Cup winners face the Premier League champions on Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm at Wembley Stadium ahead of the new top-flight season beginning on Friday, August 15. Palace are also set to feature in Europe for the first time in their history this term. They have been drawn against either Fredrikstad or Midtjylland in the Conference League play-offs after their demotion to the competition. However, they will be reinstated to the Europa League if they win their Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal. The Eagles had been replaced by Nottingham Forest after being found to have breach UEFA's multi-club ownership rules. Palace are currently awaiting the outcome of their appeal against the governing body's decision, although it is expected to come next week. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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