THE former schools of England Euros squad member Ben White have said that they’re “rooting” for the three lions on Sunday, while praising the Poole born defender as a “success”.

Liz West, CEO of Wimborne Academy Trust, said: “Ben came through St Michael’s Middle school and then QE – and obviously we were all excited when he was named in the squad for the Euros.

“I know that he has become a figure to look up to for all our students as he has shown what hard work and talent can achieve.

She added: “We’ll all be rooting for the team on Sunday – even though it’s a school night – and hope we’ll be able to celebrate being winners on Monday.

“No one under the age of 55 knows what it’s like for our football team to win anything, so if we do come out on top our students will be lucky indeed.”

23-year-old Ben White, who was born in Poole, began his career on the books at Southampton. Following his release by the Saints aged 16, White signed for Brighton and Hove Albion where he still plays today.

Ron Jenkinson, headteacher of St Michael’s Middle School, said: “Ben was here between 2007 and 2011 and was always talented and clearly had the necessary desire as well.

“Along with the trust’s other sporting success stories Ben’s achievements prove that there is a pathway to professional sport from east Dorset.”

White, who hasn’t yet featured for England at the Euros, was an integral member of Leeds United’s EFL Championship winning side in 2019/20 during a loan spell and was named Brighton’s player of the year for this season.