Why not? We could win – England players are looking forward to Euro 2020
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An England call for the European Championship was “stunning” and “very surreal” in the squad, says defender Ben White.
The 23-year-old Weiß made his international debut in a 1-0 friendly win against Austria last week and replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 26-man squad.
Before his call-up, Brighton’s center-back White was not involved in any English line-up at any level.
“It was amazing to make the last squad,” said White.
He was originally named to the provisional 33-man squad by Gareth Southgate, but did not make the original cut for the tournament.
However, a thigh injury from full-back Alexander-Arnold against Austria opened a room and although Jesse Lingard and James Ward-Prowse were strong contenders for the selection, White won.
White said: “It was very surreal. Obviously I didn’t think that was going to happen. I thought I was in a hot place like Portugal.” [for the summer].
“It’s overwhelming. I didn’t really expect something like this to happen. It was incredible to make it to the final squad.
“I don’t think it can be bad news for the gaffer to call you. I was just waiting for the call. I think I haven’t left it on yet.
“I’ve never felt that before. It’s very difficult. It’s news that doesn’t usually come. I was speechless and felt great.”
Foden haircut attracts Gazza comparisons
Is Foden’s new look more like Gazza or Eminem?
Midfielder Phil Foden will start for the Three Lions in the European Championship opener against Croatia on Sunday.
The 21-year-old won the Premier League and the Carabao Cup with Manchester City last season, but suffered heartbreak in the Champions League final defeat by Chelsea.
But it’s his new haircut ahead of the tournament that gets people talking.
“First of all, I’ve had the same hairstyle for ages, so I wanted something new,” said Foden. “I woke up this morning because of all the comparisons with Gazza and Eminem. It was my own thing! It was all positive. I’m surprised at that.
“I remember watching the Gazza highlights on TV. I know what it means for the country. It wouldn’t be so bad if I tried to put a bit of Gazza on the square.”
What is Phil Foden’s best position?
“England players should never be footballers”
England go into the European Championship as one of the favorites, led by coach Gareth Southgate, who has put together a young team that is full of talent and manages to discard old cliques.
But they go into the opening game because they are being booed by their own fans for taking their knees before the games – which is being done to highlight racial injustice.
“Our players are role models,” wrote Southgate in the stands, an article entitled “Dear England”.
“And beyond the boundaries of the pitch, we have to recognize the impact they can have on society. We have to give them the confidence to stand up for their teammates and the things that are important to them as people.
“I never believed that we should just stick with football.
“I know that my vote has weight, not because of myself, but because of my position. At home I am in the pecking order among the children and the dogs, but in public I am the manager of the English men’s football team. I have responsibility to the wider community to use my voice, and so do the players.
“It is their duty to continue to interact with the public on issues such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice while using the power of their voices to bring debate to the table, raise awareness and educate.”
