Arsenal star White has snubbed England call-up, says Southgate

BEN WHITE has turned down the chance to play for England, Gareth Southgate revealed yesterday.

The England boss wanted to call up White for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium but was told by Arsenal technical director Edu that the defender did not want to be selected.

White caused a stir when he left the England camp midway through the 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar. There have been suggestions that was down to a disagreement with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland, although the England boss denied that yesterday.

Southgate said he is unaware why White does not want to be included and confirmed Arsenal were told of his decision to go public with the news.

There is now major doubt over White’s international future, although Southgate was at pains to say the door isn’t closed to the versatile defender.

‘We had a call from Edu last week to say that Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads at this time,’ said Southgate, who accepts the 26-year-old is unlikely to change his mind before this summer’s European Championship.

‘For me, that’s a great shame. He’s a player who we took to a Euros when he was at Brighton, we took him to the World Cup.

‘I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him and there was clearly reticence on his side.

‘There’s clearly a reason. But I don’t know the full reason. I want to leave the door open for him because he’s a good player and he’s a player who can make a difference for England. Also I should say there’s never been any issue with Steve Holland. That has been mentioned and I don’t like that.

Meanwhile, Southgate has informed England’s FA that he wants to postpone any attempts to extend his contract until the end of Euro 2024.

The 53-year-old’s deal expires at the end of the tournament and the FA are keen for him to stay on.