Ben White: England call a total surprise

Albion defender Ben White admitted it was a complete surprise to learn of his inclusion in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 provisional squad. 

The Albion academy graduate received news of his first England call-up via a telephone call from the club's technical director Dan Ashworth.

He said, "It was a total surprise, and I was not expecting it at all. I was looking forward to watching the Euros this summer, but now to have a chance to be part of it all is amazing.

"It is such a proud moment for me and my family, who have been so supportive to me throughout my football career.

"My mum and dad have followed me all over the country, made a lot of sacrifices, and I think they are more excited than me by the news."

White has won plaudits during an excellent debut season in the Premier League, and his fine end-of-season form has seen him included in Southgate's provisional squad for the summer championships.

England face warm-up matches against Romania and Austria in Middlesbrough in early June, before kicking off the tournament against Croatia at Wembley on 13 June.

White added, "I am really grateful to Gareth Southgate for giving me an opportunity to potentially be a part of his squad at a major tournament. I would be absolutely thrilled to be part of it and if I am, I won't let him down.

"It's been a really good season for the team and for me personally; I have benefitted so much from playing for Graham Potter and alongside the players at the club in the Premier League. 

"I have learned so much from my teammates, especially our senior players at the club, and really feel I have continued progressing this season. 

"So many people have helped me with my development, both here at Brighton - where coaches like John Morling and Simon Rusk have been crucial for me - and at Newport County, Peterborough United and Leeds United.

"I would like to thank all the managers and staff at all those clubs for the part they have played, giving me the opportunity to play at the different levels of the EFL."

England face further group games against Scotland and the Czech Republic, both at Wembley, and White will link up with the squad at St George's Park this week as preparations begin.