Ben White misses out on England squad

Ben White is a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate’s last England squad before the World Cup.

But players left out have been told not to give up on their Qatar dreams just yet.

The versatile former Albion defender has helped Arsenal make a good start to the Premier League season.

This month’s Nations League double header against Italy and Germany will be Southgate’s last chance to work with his players before they meet up for November’s tournament.

There are just 67 days to go until the Group B opener against Iran and Southgate has named an expanded 28-man squad for the two games.

Brentford sharpshooter Ivan Toney is the headline name in a group with some eye-catching inclusions and, in the case of White and Manchester United duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, omissions.

Southgate said: “This is a bigger than normal squad and part of the rationale is that we are very close to a World Cup and we feel, although our results were disappointing in the summer, we have picked on the basis of form and capability over a long period.

“There were certain players we wanted to keep involved this time, but that said, it doesn’t mean that this is the end for some of the others who aren’t involved.”