From Standby to Spotlight: White’s Remarkable Journey
In a dramatic twist just days before England’s Euro 2024 campaign begins, Brighton’s versatile defender Ben White has received the call of a lifetime from Gareth Southgate. The 25-year-old replaces Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suffered a devastating thigh injury during England’s recent 1-0 friendly victory over Austria. This late squad change, reported first by Crickex, sends shockwaves through England’s defensive plans while offering White a golden opportunity on football’s biggest stage.
Tactical Implications of Southgate’s Decision
Southgate’s selection reveals much about England’s current concerns. With Harry Maguire’s ankle injury still troubling him and Jordan Henderson only recently returning from groin surgery, White‘s ability to play both center-back and defensive midfield made him the perfect utility player. His 90-minute masterclass against Romania showcased remarkable composure, completing 92% of his passes and making 5 crucial interceptions.
“White represents the modern defender Southgate craves,” explains Crickex football analyst James Wilson. “His positional intelligence allows England to shift between back-three and back-four systems seamlessly – crucial against varied opponents like Croatia, Scotland, and Czech Republic.”
The Stats That Secured White’s Spot
Comparing White‘s 2023/24 Premier League season with other England defenders reveals why Southgate made this bold call:
- 86.7% pass accuracy (2nd among England CBs)
- 4.3 progressive carries per game (1st)
- 2.1 tackles won per 90 minutes
- Played 3,240 minutes across all competitions (showing durability)
White’s all-round defensive numbers edged out competitors like Godfrey and Ward-Prowse
England’s Revised Euro 2024 Squad – Crickex Breakdown
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Defenders:
- Ben White (Brighton)
- John Stones (Man City)
- Harry Maguire (Man Utd)
- Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
- Reece James (Chelsea)
- Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
- Kyle Walker (Man City)
- Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
Midfielders:
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Mason Mount (Man Utd)
- Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq)
- Kalvin Phillips (West Ham)
Forwards:
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Phil Foden (Man City)
- Jack Grealish (Man City)
- Marcus Rashford (Man Utd)
- Jadon Sancho (Man Utd)
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
Southgate’s Selection Headaches Remain
While White‘s inclusion solves one problem, Southgate faces other dilemmas:
- Maguire’s Fitness: The Manchester United captain only began light training this week. White provides crucial cover.
- Henderson’s Match Sharpness: The veteran managed just 45 minutes against Romania.
- Champions League Fatigue: Seven squad members participated in the June 1 final.
As Crickex can reveal, Southgate gave players an extra 24-hour family break before reconvening at St. George’s Park, emphasizing mental preparation for what could be a five-week tournament.
Expert Verdict: Why White Over Others?
“Southgate values tactical flexibility above all,” notes former England defender Gary Neville exclusively to Crickex. “White allows him to switch systems mid-game without substitutions. That versatility, plus his outstanding performances against Austria and Romania, made him irresistible.”
The decision particularly stings for James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard, whose set-piece expertise and tournament experience respectively couldn’t outweigh White’s defensive utility.
What This Means for England’s Euro 2024 Campaign
White‘s inclusion suggests Southgate may:
- Start with a back three against Croatia’s dangerous midfield
- Use White as a defensive midfielder to protect Henderson
- Deploy him as right-sided center-back in Walker’s absence
His ability to play multiple roles could prove invaluable during a grueling tournament schedule. As White tweeted after his selection: “Beyond proud and honoured! I’ll give it my everything.” For England fans and Crickex followers worldwide, this unexpected twist adds fresh intrigue to their Euro 2024 journey. Will White emerge as Southgate’s secret weapon? Only time will tell.
