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‘No winner’… Chris Sutton says ‘brilliant’ Arsenal man will regret something he’s done this week
The intrigue surrounding Ben White’s “reticence” to be available for England selection is aplenty after Gareth Southgate said the Arsenal defender had informed he did not want to be considered.
During Glenn Hoddle‘s era as England manager, Chris Sutton did the same – albeit, on different terms. After being snubbed for the 1998 World Cup, Sutton reacted angrily and was never picked again.
Now, 26 years later, White has ruled himself unavailable for selection for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Southgate said that he was disappointed as he wanted to pick the Arsenal man.
Sutton discussed the situation in his column with on Thursday evening. He says that White will live to regret that decision – saying the defender has been “brilliant” for the Gunners during 2023-24.
“He will regret this stance at the end of his career — even more so if it means missing out on Euro 2024. I am certain of it. There is no winner. England lose, because this is a right-back who has been electric.
“Brilliant at overlapping Bukayo Saka and deserving of the new deal he has been handed by his club. Maybe the full story will emerge someday, but I’m glad that Southgate has said the door is still open.”
Chris Sutton: Arsenal man Ben White will regret England decision
Southgate also made it clear that there is no issue between White and Steve Holland, which has been rumoured. As Sutton says, the full story is not yet apparent – with White coming home from Qatar, too.
All eyes will be on White come this weekend when Arsenal take on Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash. Perhaps, more unwelcome pressure ahead of a match that is already at boiling point.
Perhaps in the future, White will add to the four caps he has won for England. But for now, it is unclear what the future holds in regards to his England future. Euro 2024 seems very unlikely for the defender.