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    Ben White told England he did NOT want to be called up for friendlies as Gareth Southgate RULES OUT Euro 2024 selection

    ARSENAL defender Ben White snubbed a spot in the latest England squad, according to Gareth Southgate.White has not featured for the Three Lions since 2022.”There is no issue between us at all” ❌Gareth Southgate says Arsenal defender Ben White did not want to be considered for his England squad ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hZLVQWOp7y— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 14, 2024

    Ben White snubbed the chance to be named in the latest England squadCredit: GettyThe defender was named in Southgate’s 26-man England squad ahead of the Qatar World Cup but left camp during the tournament due to personal reasons.Reports at the time claimed he left following an alleged bust-up with assistant coach Steve Holland.However, Southgate has insisted that there is no rift between the two.The England boss said: “On form, I can’t say he (White) doesn’t deserve to be here. John McDermott had a call from Edu last week saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England at this time.”That’s a shame. He’s a player I really like. I spoke to him post Qatar and there was clearly reticence from his side. I don’t know fully why that is.”But I want to leave the door open because he’s a good player. There is no issue between us at all.”I should say there is no issue with Steve Holland, that has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.”I have to accept things get said about me, and you have to stomach that, but I’m not prepared to have that for a key member of my coaching team because that is not the reason.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL He continued: “100 per cent (door is still open for White). He would be in this squad but he’s not available to us.”I have to respect it. He’s not the first player who at times hasn’t wanted to be available for selection. I’ve always tried to protect those players.Ben White interview after Arsenal’s epic at Luton called ‘peak Ben White’ as fans say ‘Benny Blanco always cracks me up'”Sometimes as a leader you have to take the flak for others and give them the time to come through.”He’s clearly playing very well and has been for a long time. But he’s not available to us.”You always have to find a different solution. The very first squad I picked I had a player call and say thanks but no. You just have to move on.”Discussing White’s chances of making the Euro 2024 squad, Southgate added: “Clearly to come in for June now would be difficult because others will be in the squad and playing regularly.”Whenever you have a situation like that you have to assess those who have been on the journey all the way through.”White has been in fine form for Arsenal this season.The defender has made 39 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side since the start of the campaign, scoring twice and providing four assists. More

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    The FIFTY stars in with a chance of being in England’s Euro 2024 squad as Southgate faces biggest selection dilemma ever

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has never faced a more complex dilemma in seven and a half years as England manager than his choice of a squad for this summer’s Euros.There are as many as FIFTY players with realistic ambitions of making the plane for Germany.Gareth Southgate must whittle down a massive range of optionsCredit: GettyEric Dier and Raheem Sterling could miss outCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunMan Utd’s Kobbie Mainoo, 18, has burst into contentionCredit: GettyBut the picture will become clearer on Thursday as the Three Lions boss names a squad to face Brazil and Belgium – the final party he will announce before his Euros 23 is finalised in late May.Quite simply, any player who is fit and not named in today’s squad can start booking their summer holidays because they will not be off to Germany unless something freakish happens.Today’s squad is likely to be larger than the 23 players Southgate can name for the tournament.But some former Southgate favourites are likely to be cut from the picture, including Raheem Sterling, Kalvin Phillips and Eric Dier, while the West Ham pair of Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse could be heading for their sun-loungers too.Uncapped hopefuls such as the Newcastle pair of Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento, as well as Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Everton centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite will discover whether they are in Southgate’s thoughts.Versatile Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will re-enter the picture with inclusion in the squad and Ross Barkley may also be back after a resurgence at Luton, five years after his last England cap.Likewise, Rangers keeper Jack Butland could be back in the frame, with Southgate admitting that the goalkeeping area is a ‘problem’ as Nick Pope is injured, while Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson are out of favour at their clubs.Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is sure to make today’s squad as the leading English scorer in the Premier League but Ivan Toney and Dominic Solanke are also still in the running to be Harry Kane’s understudy.Most read in FootballSeveral players who will miss out through injury today could still make the final squad.These include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Jack Grealish, Pope, Reece James and Marc Guehi.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV In-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer will make Thursday’s squad but still faces huge competition to make the final 23.Either Grealish or James Maddison would likely have to make way for him.Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, linked with Man Utd, is in the runningCredit: Getty More

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    Gareth Southgate set to recall Joe Gomez to England squad with forgotten star who last played 5 years ago included too

    JOE GOMEZ and Jack Butland are preparing for England recalls after years in the international wilderness.Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is beset by injury problems ahead of naming his squad tomorrow for friendlies with Brazil and Belgium. Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is set for an England comebackCredit: GettyJack Butland is poised to return after winning six caps from 2012-2018Credit: RexAnd he is ready to reward what Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp calls Gomez’s “most consistent” season ever.The versatile defender, 26, has suffered numerous fitness problems since winning the last of his 11 caps four years ago.Meanwhile, Rangers’ 31-year-old keeper Butland has been away from England duty even longer, having earned nine caps from 2012-2018.Southgate has faced a selection headache for a prestige double-header at Wembley against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium three days later.READ MORE TOP STORIESHis four first-choice full-backs are crocked – Reece James,  Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.That makes Gomez’s eye-catching return to form and regular starts with Liverpool even more timely.Even better, he’s covered four positions in his 39 games for Klopp’s title-chasers this season.Apart from central defence and each full-back role, Gomez has also looked comfortable in midfield.Most read in FootballAnd Klopp “couldn’t be happier” for a player who was tipped for greatness after arriving at Anfield from Charlton in 2015.But injuries to his cruciate ligament injury and ankle have marred his progress since then.Jurgen Klopp calls out Gareth Southgate with brutal message on live TV after Liverpool held by Man CityAnd it’s only this campaign that Gomez has been back to his best.Klopp said: “He was, in our most successful years, super, super important, played an incredible amount of games in 19/20, probably 18/19 as well.“He had some injuries, stuff happened, and he was in and out of the team, always important to us, but I think this season is the most consistent he played, especially because of the different positions.”Meanwhile, Rangers manager Philippe Clement has refused to “make the mistake” of urging Southgate to recall Butland.But the stopper, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United from Crystal Palace,  has shone in his first campaign north of the border.Clement has said: “I’m really happy with the way Jack is performing, but also with who he is as a professional, how he acts in the dressing room.” More

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    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is latest England star to give Southgate a Euro 2024 headache as competition for places hots up

    COLE PALMER is the latest England hopeful to make an impression on Gareth Southgate and state his case to go to the Euros.His audition featured a goal and assist in Monday night’s 3-2 win over Newcastle.Cole Palmer (right) celebrates his goal against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe in-form Chelsea star scored one and made one on Monday nightCredit: GettyIt follows on from calls for Ross Barkley, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Tino Livramento, Ivan Toney and Jarrod Bowen to get a place in the 23-man squad off to Germany this summer.Jack Butland, Raheem Sterling, Rico Lewis, Eberechi Eze and James Ward-Prowse are not out of the running yet, either.Each week we are told a new player simply must be included.But, for Southgate, it is not  a case of just getting a bigger plane. He cannot take them all.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnlike the last two tournaments, where managers could pick  26-man squads following the pandemic, Euro 2024 will see that number  back to 23.Added to the fact Southgate has a settled group of senior, tournament-hardened players  and fitting in talents like Palmer becomes quite the headache.The ex-Manchester City man only made the squad in November following injuries to James Maddison and Jude Bellingham, making his debut against Malta.But his performances for Chelsea, 11 Prem goals and eight assists across a fairly miserable Stamford Bridge season, cannot be ignored.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL While many of his new teammates are struggling to settle, midfielder Palmer walked out on the Premier League champions, swaggered into the spotlight in West London and has shone.Palmer, 21, has proved a game changer as boss Mauricio Pochettino battles to steer the Blues on the right course.How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024And that bodes well for tournament football.But does that mean that he  is a better option than Jack Grealish or Marcus Rashford for boss Southgate?Palmer has certainly had a better individual season than both, but Southgate surely will not leave those two behind.On form, Palmer is the pick, but Grealish and Rashford can both make a bigger impact on their day and have a wealth of tournament experience.This summer would be Rashford’s fifth European Championship or World Cup appearance and Grealish’s third.With England under pressure to deliver a trophy in what could be Southgate’s final flourish, he will want players he can trust.Sterling’s England exile, having not been included in a squad since the World Cup in Qatar, certainly helps Palmer — but still it is a tight squeeze.England’s next squad will be announced on Thursday at 2pm.The Three Lions have an array of attacking talent, while Southgate’s habit of  taking every right-back playing in England also reduces the number of places available.What a player he is. The confidence that he shows in every moment of the game, you can see he is so relaxed and he knows his ability. Trevoh Chalobah on PalmerIn the forward line there are already a number of dead certs to be in the squad.  Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and, arguably, Ollie Watkins as the England captain’s understudy.Does Palmer deserve to go to Germany ahead of someone like Maddison? Probably not.Lay it out in the barest terms and what initially seems like an obvious case for Palmer, starts to diminish.It would be fantastic to have a player of his quality there, though it is always a sign of strength if England can leave players like him at home.For what it is worth, Palmer’s Chelsea team-mates believe he should be on the plane.Blues centre-half Trevoh Chalobah said after the win over Newcastle: “Most definitely.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is up there producing every week, so why not?“What a player he is. The confidence that he shows in every moment of the game, you can see he is so relaxed and he knows his ability. That is the kind of player we need.” More

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    Gareth Southgate snubs titanic Liverpool vs Man City clash to watch the worst England audition of the weekend

    IT was Kalvin Phillips’ performances for England which convinced David Moyes he would be a good January signing.But the West Ham midfielder’s move now looks to have placed his Euro 2024 spot in jeopardy rather than saved it.Southgate was at the Olympic stadium to witness Phillip’s latest disappointing performanceCredit: RexThe midfielder is at risk of losing his place in Southgate’s England squadCredit: GettyInstead of watching the pulsating clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, England boss Gareth Southgate was in the stands to check in on Phillips during West Ham’s draw with Burnley.Southgate announces his Three Lions squad for the March international break this week and will have been looking for signs that Phillips deserves to keep his place.Even for the most loyal of managers, as Southgate has proved to be, it will be hard to select the former Leeds star off the back of his showing.Phillips was at fault for the opening goal, wasteful on the ball and hooked at half-time. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn eye-catching performance for all the wrong reasons.It has not been an easy start to life at the London Stadium for Phillips.Moyes had tried to sign the 28-year-old before his ill-fated move to Manchester City, and was encouraged to offer him a way out by his displays for England.Southgate had stood by the midfielder, who still impressed for the Three Lions while not getting a look in under Pep Guardiola.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The Hammers boss hoped a few games was all it would take to shake off the rust brought about by just two Premier League starts in 18 months at The Etihad.But his early West Ham showings have not offered encouragement. There was a nightmare start minutes into his debut against Bournemouth, handing them an early goal by gifting the ball to Dominic Solanke.Man Utd fans brutally troll Kalvin Phillips with X-rated chant as he warms up – but City rival has perfect responseA red card at Nottingham Forest followed before the Burnley horror-show.Phillips has spoken candidly about the impact of his time playing under Guardiola, watching on in isolation as City won the Treble.It is not an experience he is able to shake off lightly. West Ham was supposed to be a new dawn, a fresh start to get him back to being the player who shone alongside Declan Rice at Euro 2020 as England reached the final.But it has not materialised. Southgate had made it clear to Phillips he had to find a new club to keep his place in the squad ahead of this summer’s tournament, but it is hard to see how his standing with the Three Lions boss would be any worse if he was still warming Manchester City’s bench.There is still time, of course.Aside from Rice, the former West Ham captain, England’s options in a midfield two are limited.Phillips managed to retain his place in the England squad despite not appearing often for CityCredit: GettySouthgate has been out to Amsterdam to watch Jordan Henderson try to rediscover his form with Ajax after his short-lived Saudi adventure.But that has hardly got off to a flying start and Henderson is another player whose inclusion is becoming harder to justify.The lack of depth at the base of midfield helps the case for both, but the squad announced on Thursday is the final one before Southgate selects the group for Germany.Missing out this week would be a crushing blow for Phillips, but hardly surprising given there are no guarantees he will find form between now and the end of the season. He may not even get much more of a chance to.READ MORE SUN STORIESMoyes is fighting for European qualification in the Premier League and for progress in Europe – he cannot afford many more first halves like the one Phillips contributed to on Sunday.If you cannot be trusted at West Ham, what hope is there with England? More

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    Harry Kane backs Eric Dier for England Euro 2024 recall after a year out following stunning turnaround at Bayern Munich

    HARRY KANE reckons Eric Dier is back in the frame for England at Euro 2024.Dier, 30, has not been part of a Three Lions squad for a year but is in red-hot form for Bayern Munich since signing from Tottenham in January.Harry Kane believes new Bayern team-mate Eric Dier can make the EurosCredit: GettyDier says he has not heard from Gareth Southgate over a possible England recallCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAnd Kane, whose double against Lazio fired Bayern into  the Champions League last eight, said: “He has shown his quality with the ball and he has shown his quality as a leader.“He has to keep doing what he is doing. Gareth Southgate knows what he is capable of and it will be pleasing for him to see another Englishman playing at the highest level. Hopefully, Eric can keep it up.“Eric has been a big part of the national team in recent years. “He missed out on the Euros squad but was with us at the World Cup. READ MORE TOP STORIES”All Eric can do is perform the way he has. I am really proud of him.”England boss Southgate will name his squad a week today for the  home friendlies against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium three days later.Dier has featured for Thomas Tuchel’s team on eight occasions after being frozen out at Spurs by Ange Postecoglou.He initially joined the German giants from Tottenham on loan. Most read in FootballBut due to the number of games he has played for Bayern, a clause has turned his stay in Munich into a permanent deal until 2025.Kane, 30, added: “Here at Bayern, Eric has been amazing.Micah Richards accuses Harry Kane of ‘having a dodgy box’ in hilarious interview“It was not an easy situation for him to come in, in terms of where he was at with Spurs. “But it was another top performance from him against Lazio.”Dier has featured 49 times for England. He played twice in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup but was an unused sub for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine last March.He said: “The national team is a really simple thing.  “You try to play as well as possible for your club and everything else is out of your control.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If I am playing for a club like Bayern and if I am playing well, I should have a good chance.  Why not?“I have not spoken to Gareth but it is up to me to play well.” Kane is confident he and Dier could be reunited at international levelCredit: EPA More

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    ‘He might sneak in’ predicts Gary Lineker as three young talents tipped to make England’s Euro 2024 squad

    GARY LINEKER revealed the three young England stars he is tipping to make it into Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. Southgate is due to make his final selection just before the tournament kicks off in June in Germany.
    Gary Lineker revealed his tips to make England’s Euro 2024 squadCredit: YouTube / The Res Is Football
    And England legend Lineker was asked which players – not yet capped at senior level – would he pick to board the plane.
    He said on The Rest is Football: “Blimey, put me on the spot there! I think maybe (Jarrard) Branthwaite from Everton, I think he has got a chance.
    “I think it’s just an area of the team that Gareth might give someone a chance.
    “I know Cole Palmer’s already been I think in the England squad and played, so it doesn’t quite count. But I think he’s got a real chance of making the squad.
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    “And I will go with Kobbie Mainoo as the other one because he has impressed me so much. I mean he’s so young obviously, I think he’s just 18.
    “So, to do what he’s doing is quite remarkable at a club like Man United, so I think he might just sneak in.”
    Here, SunSport looks at the budding trio picked out by Lineker.
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    Jordan Henderson dropped by Ajax
    Jarrad Branthwaite
    The defender, 21, has emerged as one of the brightest centre-backs in the Premier League and attracted heavy transfer interest from top clubs.
    Most read in Football
    He has made 29 appearances with two goals to his name and represented England at Under 20 and U21 level.
    Southgate has chopped and changed his centre-back pairings in recent years but left-footed Branthwaite looks to be a strong new candidate.
    Jarrad Branthwaite is tipped to make England’s squadCredit: Getty
    Cole Palmer
    The playmaker, 21, has been a rare spark in Chelsea’s dark season since making his £45million move from Manchester City.
    He has 12 goals in his 30 Blues games this season and has shown versatility playing both out on the right and through the middle.
    Palmer has two senior England caps but faces heavy competition in the wide and central Three Lions positions.
    Cole Palmer has shined for Chelsea this seasonCredit: Getty
    Kobbie Mainoo
    The teenager has proved a sensation in United’s midfield this season and is already being compared to legendary names like Clarence Seedorf.
    Mainoo has 16 first-team appearances this season and recently scored a last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.
    Many predict Mainoo will have a similar rise to Jude Bellingham and are already pitting the two to form a formidable partnership.
    Kobbie Mainoo is tipped as a future England starCredit: Getty More

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    Wales Euro 2024 dream handed huge boost with Aaron Ramsey given hope of being fit for play-off semi-final vs Finland

    AARON RAMSEY is refusing to give up on his Euro 2024 dream.The Wales skipper is out with a calf injury and his Cardiff boss Erol Bulut last week ruled out for between four and six weeks.
    Ramsey’s injury is not as bad as first fearedCredit: Getty
    That looked set to rule the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star, 33, out of the Dragons’ Euros play-off semi-final with Finland in Cardiff on March 21.
    But midfielder Ramsey will keep fighting in a bid to be fit for the Cardiff City Stadium showdown next month with Wales just two possible wins away from the Germany finals.
    SunSport understands the injury, sustained in training with the Championship outfit less than two weeks ago, is not as bad as first thought.
    And that has given Ramsey a glimmer of hope.
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    But, despite the boost, Ramsey still faces a real race against time to be available for the semi-final with a potential final against either Poland or Estonia in the Welsh capital five days later.
    Ramsey is giving everything in a bid to be ready and will work alongside physio Sean Connelly, who is based at the Vale of Glamorgan HQ where Cardiff and Wales both share a base.
    He could be available for that play-off camp but is unlikely to have had any match action before the international break.
    And, considering he had only returned with two appearances since a knee injury which kept him out for five months, Ramsey’s lack of game time would be a major risk.
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    But the possibility of Ramsey, who has played at two Euros finals and the World Cup, being available would be a major boost for boss Robert Page.
    His experience, leadership, big game mentality and composure are all viewed as assets for a young Welsh squad including the likes of Brennan Johnson, 22, Ethan Ampadu, 23, and Jordan James, 19 as Wales bid to qualify for a third straight Euros finals.
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