Adam Wharton has opened up on his meteoric six-month rise from Blackburn Rovers to England's European Championships.

The Blackburn Rovers Academy graduate has shone in the Premier League since flying the nest in January. Even the biggest Wharton fans couldn't have foreseen his rapid assent to the biggest stage.

22 months after making his Rovers debut, Wharton could now feature for his country in a major international tournament. That would net his boyhood club a tidy windfall too, with Rovers due a 'significant' fee when his first Three Lions start in a competitive match.

Wharton admits the last six months have been a whirlwind but not one that has phased him. He insists he'll be ready for England if called upon in Germany.

READ MORE: 'He was special' - Rovers team-mate lifts lid on Adam Wharton

“It is a surreal feeling. I wasn't really expecting it, I have only gone into the Premier League," he told the media in Germany.

"It was a bonus if I got in. I am delighted, I get to do what I love on the top stage, you can't beat it. 

"The manager picks the team and if I'm chosen to play, I am more than ready. I have really enjoyed the last six months and I want to keep improving. 

“It’s just a dream come true. Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League and for their country. 

"I got to play for the team I support and really enjoyed that and it has continued with moving to the Premier League and now here. It’s all very fast but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“The way I have always felt, even throughout my time at Blackburn and when I was younger, is that I’ve always got that self-confidence that no matter who I am up against, I have got the ability to play my game and play well.

“I never thought I wouldn’t be able to cope but playing against the top teams helps. It’s then not a case of I think I can (cope) because I’m confident … it’s more that if I’ve played at that level, I know I can play at that level.

"I think if you're good enough, you're old enough."

Wharton and his family are Blackburn born and bred. He was in the Ewood Park Academy from the age of six. This is a story for local pride and 'boy done good' as well as the obvious Rovers connection.

The 20-year-old feels his family background, supported by his brothers Scott and Simon, gave him the platform to succeed.

“I think they were probably happier than I was when I received the news,” he laughed.

"My parents were over the moon. They were just delighted for me. They are proud of how far I have come, especially in such a short period of time.

“They all watching football, it adds a bit more. They were delighted, they have been massive for me.

"I’ve got two older brothers and playing with them in the garden, well, they beat me up a few times. That all helps me getting used to the physical side of the game.

"My dad is a massive football fan, he gives me a load of advice, even now. It's a sporty family, very supportive and that definitely helped me growing up and continuing to support me even if I wasn't playing or in the Youth set-up.

"I don't think I'd be here without them. I think that is a massive advantage that I have been able to have to help me transition into first-team football.

"My brother had four loans before he got his chance at Blackburn. He was in League Two for about four seasons and got promoted a few times. And, yes, it definitely gave me a reality check as I was coming through.

"I watched a lot of his games in League Two and it is a completely different game. It is a lot more physical. I was always ready for that. I am not the most outgoing — a bit of a loner — so to have him there definitely made it easier for me to transition into first-team football."

Wharton's dad, John, gave a brilliant interview to BBC Radio Lancashire earlier this week on his son's rapid rise. He jokingly described his son as 'a bit of a loner'.

"I think Loner is a bit harsh!" Wharton responded.

"I don’t have a million friends. I sort of keep myself to myself. That is how I’ve always been really. That works for me. I live on my own in London now. I am not always out with my friends doing this and that.

"Part of being a footballer is you can’t go out on the weekends and they are the sort of sacrifices you make. I’m not a loner but I’m not the most outgoing person. I’m not going to go into a room with people I don’t know and be really loud.

"All the lads have made it really easy, all very welcoming and happy to chat. That has made it easy but we are all involved in football and there is plenty to talk about. I’ve spoken to all the lads now and none have been difficult to speak to."