The news was a surprise to many on Monday morning. But for Leeds and Brighton fans, it was hardly a shock that Ben White was named as England’s 26th man. White replaces Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Euro 2020 squad – and plenty of Leeds stars have reacted, including Adam Forshaw.
Going into the 2019-20 season, two years ago, White was an unknown. Leeds fans had questioned the signing, after he came in to replace Pontus Jansson. But having played all 49 games for Leeds during their promotion to the Premier League, he quickly threw himself into the limelight.
Another brilliant season came on the south coast with Brighton. The defender has been used at centre-back, the right of a back three or in midfield by Graham Potter. Playing 36 of Brighton’s 38 games, the defender won Brighton’s Player of the Season award – and is now an England player. He posted on Instagram after confirmation was announced.
A surprise inclusion in the 33-man squad, White has since impressed in the pre-tournament friendlies against Austria and Romania. It was his first two England caps, but White has done enough to impress Gareth Southgate. He gets in above Jesse Lingard, James Ward-Prowse and others.
The connection between White and Leeds remains strong. His England teammate Kalvin Phillips posted a heart emoji, while Forshaw believes the inclusion of White in the Euro 2020 squad is deserved. Both Luke Ayling and Tyler Roberts commented on his post.
