Lewis Dunk has revealed Albion stars were “playing on adrenaline” in their push for Europe.

The Seagulls skipper has withdrawn from the England squad for two forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.

He was due to meet up with Gareth Southgate’s select group at St George’s Park today.

Dunk was troubled by a niggling injury late last season and sat out the final two games once European football had been secured.

He had hoped to add to his one cap with the Three Lions.

Dunk said: “I was proud to be recalled to the England squad.

“My first England cap remains one of the proudest moments of my career. I never gave up hope, and I hope that opportunity will come again.

“I’m sorry it won’t be this summer but at the end of the season, a few of us had to step up to achieve our aim of European football.

“A few of us were playing on adrenaline, pushing ourselves through games. I had a couple of injury issues, but our aim was to secure that top six place and create history.

“I spoke to Gareth Southgate at the end of the season, after we’d achieved that. I explained that I thought I might not be fit in time for the games against Malta and North Macedonia. I didn’t want to mess him around for two important qualifiers for the country.

“He was excellent with me, told me to take as long as possible and give myself the best chance to be part of the squad.

“I’d like to thank him for that support and wish the squad well for the two games.”