England manager Gareth Southgate disclosed that Arsenal defender Ben White has expressed his reluctance to be considered for the latest England squad. The revelation came after a phone call between Southgate and Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, last week, leaving the England boss dismayed by the decision.
“We had a call from Edu last week to say that Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads at this time. It’s a great shame,” Southgate lamented during his address to reporters at Wembley Stadium on Thursday.
A Temporary Setback or a Permanent Exit?
While Southgate left the door open for White’s potential return to the England setup in the future, he acknowledged that the timing for the versatile defender’s inclusion in the June squad would be challenging. This is due to the consistent performance of other players who have been actively involved with the national team.
Dispelling Rumors of Rifts
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Amid speculations of a potential rift between White and the England coaching staff, including Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland, the England manager was quick to dismiss such claims.
“There is no issue between us at all and there’s also no issue with Steve, which has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that,” Southgate asserted. “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.”
A Stellar Season at Arsenal
Despite his absence from the international stage, White’s performances for Arsenal have been nothing short of exceptional. The 26-year-old has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s squad, featuring in every Premier League game this season.
White emphasized Arsenal’s growing strength, cautioning their title rivals that they are poised to become even more formidable with the core of Arteta’s squad secured.
Respecting Personal Decisions
While Southgate expressed his disappointment over White’s decision, he also acknowledged the need to respect personal choices. “We have to respect that. There’s a reason, but I don’t know the full reason,” he stated.
The England manager’s diplomatic approach highlights the delicate balance between professional and personal considerations that players often navigate in their careers.
Moving Forward
As the England squad prepares for their upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Southgate remains intact, as he hopes that the Arsenal defender will reconsider his stance in the future.
“I completely respect it. The door for me is completely open. 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,” Southgate concluded.
Only time will tell whether Ben White’s decision to step away from international duty is a temporary hiatus or a more permanent departure from the England setup. Regardless, his performances for Arsenal will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized, and the door remains ajar for a potential return to the national team fold.
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