Gareth Southgate ignored Gary Lineker plea as England boss prepares for final Euro 2024 warm-up fixture
Gareth Southgate didn't speak to Ben White this time around
PA
Jack Grealish's omission from England's Euro 2024 side was the most surprising decision from Gareth Southgate's squad announcement, but Gary Lineker has already indicated how disappointed he is that another player won't be on the plane to Germany.
Southgate trimmed his provisional 33-man squad down to 26 on Thursday with Grealish, Harry Maguire, Curtis Jones, James Maddison, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford missing out.
The England boss admitted they were tough calls to make with Grealish and Maguire the most experienced to be axed.
Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were the headline players to miss out of Southgate's provisional squad along with the likes of Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Raheem Sterling.
Gareth Southgate didn't speak to Ben White this time around
PA
But Lineker made it clear last month that he was disappointed Arsenal star Ben White wasn't in the frame to be selected.
The 26-year-old has not been selected to play for his country since the 2022 World Cup when he left halfway through the tournament and Southgate claimed the defender made himself unavailable for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The England boss gave a quick response when asked why White wasn't included in his provisional Euros squad.
Southgate said: "I didn’t speak to Ben. As far as I am aware, he isn’t available to us."
White's omission still came as a disappointment to Lineker though, who wants to see the Arsenal star return to the fold with the Three Lions.
"Ben White’s had an absolutely brilliant season, he’s a superb player," he said.
"I just hope and wish there was a way that Gareth Southgate could make his peace with him and get him out there.
"Obviously, with the injuries England have got at the moment, particularly back positions, and I suspect he could play anywhere across the back as he was a central defender, I think he’d be a really good addition.
Ben White has not played for England since 2022
PA
"I understand there might have been some sort of fall-out but come on… He’s been fabulous this season, he’s very consistent and just a good footballer."
Alan Shearer echoed his compatriot's views, adding: "It’s such a shame. Come on guys!
"Whatever the issue is, you’ve got to sit down and clear the air and sort this out.
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Gary Lineker wants Ben White back in the England squad
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"They’ve got an unbelievable chance of winning the Euros and yet he’s not going to play a part in that after the season he’s had. What a mess, what a shame."
White's decision to reportedly make himself unavailable for England duty has been linked to an alleged exchange with Southgate's assistant Steve Holland during the 2022 World Cup.
Both Holland and Southgate have denied reports that there was an angry bust-up with White.
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