Former Leeds United defender Ben White has sent a message to Kalvin Phillips following his first call-up to the England squad.
Gareth Southgate named his 24-man squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark.
There was a place for Phillips, who could become the first Leeds player to make an England appearance since former goalkeeper Paul Robinson back in 2003.
It was the reward for the 24-year-old’s fine campaign in Leeds’ title-winning Championship season last time out.
White, who also starred in the Whites’ Championship triumph, has sent his former teammate a message via an Instagram story on his page.
The Brighton & Hove Albion defender, who has been linked with a move back to Leeds, simply said “yeah yeah” in front of an image of him and Phillips holding the Championship trophy.
Southgate had previously also namechecked White in the same sentence as Phillips as a potential future England player.
He said: "It could be a Ben White, who has been on loan at Leeds, or a Kalvin Phillips, that haven’t played Premier League football yet.
"Those sorts of players could come into the frame. We’re always open to what it looks like."
Yet competition for places in England's defence is fierce, with White missing out on a place this time around.
Leeds are interested in bringing White back to Elland Road ahead of their first season back in the Premier League.
However, as per a report from Sky Sports on Monday, White will not be sold by Brighton, who see him as part of their plans for the upcoming campaign.
Liverpool and Chelsea have also been linked with the centre-back following his excellent form for the Whites last season.
