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Southgate pleased with White's progress

Albion defender not in Euros squad, but remains with England for this week's friendlies.

By Bruce Talbot • 01 June 2021

Ben White training with the England squad.

Gareth Southgate has praised the performance of Albion defender Ben White since he linked up with the England squad for the first time.

White, 23, has not been included in England’s 26-man squad for the Euros, although he will remain with the group for this week’s friendlies against Austria on Wednesday and Romania on Sunday.

Albion defender Ben White training with the England squad.

Southgate said, “Three of the boys knew they were coming in for the experience of training with us and these two friendly matches.

“Though they are not in the squad at this time injuries have happened in friendlies before so who knows what might happen.

“We are really pleased with Ben White, Ben Godfrey and Aaron Ramsdale, they have come into the squad for the first time, trained really well and added a lot to the group.

“When we had the conversations they were disappointed, but they knew were they stood. It meant the atmosphere around the camp has stayed positive and very relaxed.

"No one wants to give people bad news. It’s lovely to give debuts and bring people into the squad for the first time, it’s much harder to give difficult news.”