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Topics: Arsenal, Ben White, England, Gareth Southgate, Premier League
Chris Byfield
Topics: Arsenal, Ben White, England, Gareth Southgate, Premier League
The reason Ben White has snubbed an England call-up has reportedly been revealed.
On Thursday, England boss Gareth Southgate claimed that Arsenal’s Ben White "didn't want to be considered" for an England call-up.
White was not included in Southgate’s squad for friendlies against Belgium and Brazil and has not featured for England since leaving the World Cup camp in November 2022.
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"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."
However, a fresh Athletic report has said White's decision to take a step back from international duty was for three reasons.
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Firstly, White allegedly found it difficult being low down in the pecking order at England.
Secondly, the publication claimed that there was, contrary to Southgate’s comments, a “row” with England assistant manager Steve Holland, with White on the receiving end of a verbal dressing-down from the ex-Chelsea coach.
Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, the Arsenal defender was allegedly already finding it difficult to settle into the general rhythms of international football and tournament life.
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White subsequently flew back from Qatar to resume mid-season training with Arsenal and has remained out of the England set-up ever since.
Yet, the 26-year-old still has an England future should he want one, Southgate has insisted.
When asked if there was still an opportunity for White to return to contention, the England boss replied: "I want that door wide open. He would be in this squad, but he's not available to us."