- Southgate revealed why White was omitted from Euro squad
- 33-man preliminary England squad named
- Gunners defender made himself unavailable in March
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners star was left out of the Three Lions’ preliminary squad as Gareth Southgate named a 33-man party for the upcoming Euro 2024. The squad will be trimmed down to 26 players ahead of the competition with the final selections to be locked in by June 7.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
In March 2024, White made himself unavailable for selection for the England squad for their international friendlies after Arsenal sporting director Edu informed Southgate not to include the defender. The 26-year-old’s decision, at that time, drew a lot of criticism from all quarters.
WHAT GARETH SOUTHGATE SAID
When asked about the full-back’s absence his the team, the England boss told reporters, “No. As far as I am aware he isn’t available to us.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
Southgate’s men will be next seen in action in a couple of friendly matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland on June 3 and June 7 respectively. Whether White returns to the England set-up once the incumbent manager leaves remains to be seen.
