Ben White has praised Leeds United after he was called into the provisional England squad for the European Championships this summer.
While speaking to Brighton & Hove Albion’s official website, White was asked about the influence that Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa had on his career.
The central defender really made his name at Elland Road two seasons ago, when he helped Leeds earn promotion back to the top flight.
And White says that he remains forever grateful to the Whites for helping him reach this level.
“Last year was amazing for me,” he said. “Playing every minute for the best team in the Championship was obviously a massive deal. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities they gave me.”
Phillips excitement
White is not the only player with Leeds links to make it into England’s 33-man squad.
Kalvin Phillips, who is set to recover from injury, is also in Gareth Southgate’s plans.
And White says that he is excited to see the Leeds midfielder again.
He added: “Obviously Kalv I was with him all last season and he’s one of my best mates. It’ll be nice to see him because i haven’t seen him since the last time I was at Leeds. So I’m buzzing to go and see him and meet everyone.”
Whether White will actually make it into England’s final squad for Euro 2020 remains to be seen.
White has some fierce competition for a place in central defence, with Southgate set to cut seven players before the tournament starts.
Phillips looks pretty assured of his role in the team though, as he has established himself in the England set-up over the last few international breaks.
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