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‘I don’t like that’… Gareth Southgate says he’s heard something about one Arsenal player that’s totally untrue
Gareth Southgate has revealed the reason why Ben White hasn’t made an England squad since the World Cup in 2022.
On current form, Ben White is undoubtedly up there with the best defenders in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old continues to impress at right-back under Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal currently sitting top of the league.
Despite his impressive form, White hasn’t made the England squad since leaving the World Cup in Qatar ahead of schedule.
At the time, it was stated that the Arsenal man left the England set-up due to ‘’. But there has been plenty of speculation thereafter due to White not receiving another call-up since.
Now, England boss Gareth Southgate has claimed that one rumour he’s come across about White’s relationship with assistant manager Steve Holland is completely untrue.
Southgate on why White hasn’t received England call-up
Southgate faced the media today after announcing his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The Three Lions boss was quizzed on whether or not White is available for selection.
“It’s absolutely the question you should ask because clearly on form, I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be in,” Southgate admitted.
“We, John McDermott, had a call from Edu last week to say that Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads at this time.
“For me, that’s a great shame. He’s a player I really like. He’s a player we took to the Euros when he was at Brighton, a player we took to the World Cup.
“I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him and there was clearly reticence from his side. I don’t know fully why that is. But I have to respect that. I want to leave the door open for him because he’s a good player and a player who can make a difference for England.
“But he’s not available to us and the only other thing I would say is there is no issue between us at all. And also I should say there is never any issue with Steve Holland because that has sort of been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.
“People can talk about me and say I have to accept things get said that are false about me and for whatever reason in this role, you have to almost stomach that. But I’m not prepared for that to happen to a key member of my coaching team because that is not the reason that Ben is unavailable for selection.”
It’s nice to hear Southgate finally address White’s absence from the England squads over the past two years.
Due to his impressive form for Arsenal, it is something that has often puzzled Arsenal’s supporters.
But Southgate has made it clear that White doesn’t wish to represent his country at the moment and for whatever reason that may be, the England boss seems intent on respecting that decision.
As for Arsenal, it will allow the defender to focus fully on their efforts to land the Premier League title this season.