Gareth Southgate has revealed another player refused to be picked by him in 2016 amid Ben White's England snub.
White asked not to be considered for the England squad ahead of their friendly games against Brazil and Belgium this month.
Southgate expressed his desire to select the Arsenal defender until he was informed of his decision.
Advert
A report reveals how the Three Lions boss found out the news.
White isn't the only player to turn his back on England as Southgate admitted another player refused to be called up back in 2016 when he first landed the job,
"I've tried to protect players. Clearly that is impossible at this point," he explained.
Advert
"Because the timing of asking to come off the long-list, and the fact that I don't have huge credibility if I didn’t pick him on form, I don't think it would be right not to state the situation we're in.
"We've explained to Arsenal we were going to do that. And if you make a decision like that, you do have to stand by it. But like I say, I want to keep the door open. I don’t want there to be a backlash, but I understand that we're in a situation where that could happen."
Southgate added: "For me, the shame is that he’s a player I like. I can see his ability is obvious. I would have liked to have picked him. But it’s not an option that’s open to me. I completely respect it. The door for me is completely open.
Advert
"Look, we have to say that’s unlikely now for the Euros. Because of the situation this month. But moving forward, I would hope that he feels differently about it."
White has effectively ruled himself out of Euro 2024. He also withdrew from the England squad for the 2022 World Cup.
He has four international caps to his name since making his debut in June 2021.
Topics: Ben White, Gareth Southgate, Arsenal, Football
Nasir Jabbar