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Topics: Ben White, Arsenal, Football, England, Lee Carsley
Ryan Smart
Ben White's agent has already commented on whether the Arsenal star could return to the England setup as interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley prepares to name his first squad.
Carsley, who has taken temporary charge of the senior side following Gareth Southgate's resignation, will announce his first squad at 2pm on Thursday.
Given that only two Premier League games have been played since Euro 2024, wholesale changes aren't expected.
But the former Everton midfielder has promised to put his 'own stamp' on the selection.
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One of the potential additions to the squad would be Arsenal defender White, who hasn't been named in an England squad since the 2022 World Cup.
He left Qatar after a disagreement with then-assistant coach Steve Holland, which The Telegraph claim surrounded 'a question of the respect accorded to the player' and is the reason he hasn't been available to play since.
Southgate confirmed prior to March's friendlies against Brazil and Belgium that he received a call from Arsenal sporting director Edu, who stated that White was not available.
Holland is no longer part of the England senior setup, having been replaced on an interim basis by former Arsenal, Chelsea and England star Ashley Cole.
And there has been speculation over whether White could now return to the setup.
But according to the Daily Mail, the defender is expected to not be selected once again, with the same report claiming that White 'has not expressed a change in stance since Southgate and Holland's departure' over his availability for selection.
Speaking to Sky Sports earlier in August, White's agent Alexander Levack commented on his client's continued absence from the Three Lions setup - and gave little indication that the impasse would be solved soon.
He said: "It's all ifs, buts and maybes [when or if he plays again]. It's just hard to comment at the minute - it's not something we've spoken in depth about.
"I think he's going to focus on Arsenal, and hopefully them mounting a title challenge again.
"We've dealt with this in a really private manner. We would like to continue to do so.
"There's been a lot said by various different outlets and people, but I think we're going to remain quiet on that.
"It's hard, because in one sense you want people to hear something so the noise goes away. But we just removed ourselves from the situation.
"There are reasons, and they'll be remaining private."