Arsenal defender Ben White has snubbed the chance to play for the England national team.
The right-back has been in the news and he is being criticised by fans for not taking up the opportunity to play for the country.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, stated on Thursday that Ben White “didn’t want to be considered” for a call-up.
“We had a call from [Arsenal’s sporting director] Edu last week saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads at the moment,” Southgate explained. “I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side. I don’t know why that is, but I respect that. I leave the door open because he’s a good player.
“There is no issue between us at all and there’s also no issue with [assistant manager] Steve Holland, which has been mentioned in articles, and I don’t like that. I have to accept things are false about me, but I’m not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us.”
White has not played for England since departing the World Cup camp in November 2022 and was left out of Southgate’s team for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The reasons behind him snubbing the chance to play for England have been reportedly revealed.
Why Ben White snubbed England call-up
A report from the Athletic has stated the reasons behind White’s refusal to play for England.
The first reason reported is that the defender found it difficult to be low in the pecking order at England.
Secondly, in contrast to Southgate’s remarks, White and England assistant manager Steve Holland had a verbal altercation in which White was given a dressing-down.
Thirdly, the report suggests that the Arsenal defender was already having trouble adjusting to the regular routines of playing football internationally and participating in tournaments.
White left the England camp at the World Cup in Qatar and flew back to resume training with the Gunners.
Southgate has made it clear that should the English defender want to be considered for selection, he will be welcomed back to the team.
