#PLStories- #BenWhite discusses his release from Saints squad and time at the academy #SAINTSFC #BHAFC

JAMES Ward-Prowse missed out on being England’s 26th man for Euro 2020 after defender Ben White was added to the squad. The Saints skipper impressed during the Three Lions’ 1-0 friendly win over Romania on Sunday before being replaced in the 65th-minute. Many thought Ward-Prowse would be the man to occupy the spot left void by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was forced to withdraw through injury last week. But 23-year-old White, who featured in Saints’ academy growing up before being released, earned the call to book his place at the tournament. Brighton centre-back White made his debut in last week’s 1-0 friendly win over Austria and impressed as he started alongside Tyrone Mings in the victory against Romania. Everton defender Ben Godfrey and Saints star Ward-Prowse were options who both started the Romania game, while Jesse Lingard and Ollie Watkins were also on the standby list, but will now return home. White grew up in the south, attending Queen Elizabeth's School in Wimborne, while also playing football for county side Poole and East Dorset. Asked who was in Saints' academy at the same time as him, White told YouTube channel GAFFER: "I think (Alex Oxlade) Chamberlain, Prowsey (James Ward-Prowse), (Jack) Stephens, who are all playing in the Premier League now. “They’re not really my age, they were three years older than me, but they were the ones that I was watching. "After training they would be playing on the Saturday and I’d watch all their games." Discussing his release from Saints, White said: "It was hard. I didn’t get anything at 16. You’re just booted out and that’s it really. "You’re done and you’ve got to find your own way back. Luckily I managed to do that and get my trial at Brighton." White’s inclusion was announced by the Football Association on Monday morning as the team continue preparations for their European Championship opener against Croatia. Having trained in Middlesbrough, with both friendlies taking place at the Riverside Stadium, the squad will now be based at St George’s Park. Euro 2020 kicks off on Friday night, with England’s clash with Croatia at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.