Ben White says the news of his place in the England squad for EURO 2020 still hasn't sunk in.
The defender made the preliminary squad of 33 players, and initially wasn't named in the 26-man squad for the tournament, but following an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold the 23-year-old was given the nod after making his full debut against Romania on Sunday.
"I don't think I have let it settle in yet,” White said. “It is something I have never felt before, it is obviously very different. News like that doesn't normally come around, I was just speechless really - it felt amazing.
Checking in📍@england pic.twitter.com/PJ2S7BKNIS
— Benjamin White (@ben6white) June 8, 2021
"It's mind-blowing really. I didn't expect any of this to happen – even being in the 33-man squad was enough for me. To make it to the final squad was unbelievable.
"It's been very surreal, obviously I didn't think this was going to be happening. I thought I was going to be on holiday somewhere hot, like Portugal!”
White was informed of his inclusion by England boss Gareth Southgate, who told White he wants the defender to maintain the high standards he has set with Albion this season.
“We spoke about the game that I played the other day [against Romania] and he told me to believe in myself, that I am here for a reason and just to do what I do."