Southgate explains not picking White and Sterling for England squad

EXPRESS

England play Italy in Naples next Thursday before Ukraine visit Wembley the following Sunday. It is the first time the squad have got together since they crashed out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage to France in December.

Sterling has been a regular for Southgate during his tenure as manager. But he revealed the 28-year-old is not fit and therefore was not available for selection.

White, meanwhile, misses out due to three other right-backs being selected ahead of him. He has had a fine season for Premier League leaders Arsenal and was rewarded with a call-up to the squad in Qatar.

However, he left the tournament early due to personal reasons. Reports afterwards claimed the former Brighton defender had a disagreement with assistant coach Steve Holland, though Southgate played down that speculation at the time.

Southgate responds to reports about Ben White’s departure

Southgate has hinted his decision to leave the 25-year-old out of his squad today is due to football reasons. Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James are all included in the squad, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold missing out alongside White.