Blackburn Rovers: Wharton on Plymouth and England U20 call

The midfielder admits Saturday’s defeat at Plymouth felt like “one of those games”, ultimately losing 3-0 despite seeing more of the ball and being on top for spells.

“I thought we were the better team and created the better chances,” Wharton told Rovers TV. “We were on top at the start of the game and then they get a scrappy deflected goal, which happens.

“It was just one of those games. We couldn’t seem to get the ball in the back of the net. I thought we started well, we were the better team in the first half and pinned them back.

“Obviously, the momentum changes when they get the goal and they get a bit of confidence. We went in at half time 1-0 down thinking we should be leading.

“I thought we came out positive in the second half, putting them on the back foot again, pressing and creating chances but it wouldn’t seem to go in for us.”

He continued: “You want to bounce back after every game where you don’t come away with what you think you should have. All the boys are confident in our ability to go up against any team and get a result.

“Unfortunately, you can’t always do that but I am confident we will come back stronger after the international break and hopefully get back on the right foot.”

The 19-year-old made his first Championship start just over a year ago and has since become a key member of Jon Dahl Tomasson’s squad.

Wharton had been linked with a couple of Premier League sides over the summer but Rovers managed to keep hold of him.

Despite his youth, the midfielder has embraced the physical demands of the Championship and says he quickly began to feel at home in the first team set-up.

“Since my first few games last season, it is just football games,” he explained. “Every game is the same, you are going out against 11 other players.

“I am comfortable in the team now, I have got used to the physical side of the Championship. It is very physical in every single game, you can’t take your foot off the gas. I think I am progressing well.”

Wharton battles for possession against the Pilgrims (Image: Camerasport)

When asked what he needs to do to keep progressing his game, Wharton replied: “Just being involved in the game as much as I can.

“I think I am best when I am on the ball, so just trying to get on the ball as much as I can and try to create chances or start attacks from deeper. Just being as effective as I can and helping the team score goals and win games.”

Prior to the Plymouth defeat, Rovers had recorded promising victories against Watford and Harrogate on the road.

There were also wins against West Brom and Walsall in the opening weeks of the campaign, and Wharton reckons there is still lots to be positive about.

He has embraced the identity Tomasson is trying to instil at Ewood Park and is hopeful they can become more ruthless in the final third.

“The way we are playing on the ball, up until that last bit is really good,” he stated. “It is how the gaffer wants us to play and we are progressing up the pitch really well.

“It is just that final bit that isn’t really clicking for us but I am sure it is going to come at some point in the season, it has to.

“We just have to keep working hard and putting the work in training, then hopefully in games it works out for us.”

Wharton has now headed out on international duty, having received a first call-up to the England Under-20 squad.

The midfielder is keen to show what he can do and make a positive impression over the coming week.

He says there are lots of talented youngsters in the squad and reckons being around them will have a positive impact on his own development.

“It is a great honour to be recognised and represent my country,” Wharton continued. “It is just training for a few days this time but I look forward to it.

“The quality is very high, there are a lot of good players. It is maybe not as physical but very technical.

“There are some top players there from across the country so it is good to train with them and see the standard.”