Today, England manager Gareth Southgate revealed something unexpected regarding Ben White, an Arsenal defender.
Arsenal’s right-back Ben White is not in the most recent England roster.
White will stay in north London during the international break, while Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka will be away from the Emirates Stadium.
This doesn’t really come as a shock. After all, since departing the England camp early during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the four-time England international has not played for the Three Lions. “Personal reasons” were given as the explanation for the player’s early withdrawal from the competition, as ESPN reported at the time.
White hasn’t had the chance to play for his country since, but he is still an important member of the Gunners. White’s new long-term contract with Arsenal was signed today, which is a fitting tribute to his outstanding consistency.
The 26-year-old has been playing very well lately. Mikel Arteta has asked White to work in a reverse position when Oleksandr Zinchenko is not on the opposite flank, so White has had to adjust to new tactical instructions. He had no trouble adjusting to these new responsibilities.
Arsenal supporters also hold a special place for White because of his resilience, dependability, and proficiency in the “dark arts.” Despite Gareth Southgate’s apparent lack of faith in the former Brighton and Hove Albion player, Arteta clearly does.
Regarding Ben White, an Arsenal player, Gareth Southgate says something.
White has disqualified himself from the England team, according to the manager of the national team. Southgate stated: “We had a conversation where Ben White said he didn’t want to be considered for England selection at the moment,” according to Ben Jacobs of X.
“He seemed to be exercising restraint when I spoke with him following Qatar. I have no idea why that is. However, I have to honor that. Although the door is always open, he isn’t available to us at this time.
“Neither Steve Hollande nor I are at odds with one another. It has been brought up in articles, and I find it objectionable.
Here, Southgate categorically refuted reports that White had broken up with coach Steve Holland in Qatar.
It’s also possible that the defender wants to avoid being called up right now due to fitness concerns. White may be concerned that if he doesn’t take a break during the international break, he might aggravate an old injury because he had to play with pain for a while at the beginning of the season.
But it appears that White is the only one who understands his current lack of desire to represent his nation.
If he wants to get back to that level in the future, he is more than capable of shining on the global stage, so let’s hope that a solution is found.
