Arsenal's Ben White "Didn't Want to Be Considered" for Latest England Squad, Says Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate has said that Ben White would have been included in his latest England squad if the Arsenal defender had not asked to be left out.

White has not played for the Three Lions since March 2022.

The former Brighton star was named in England's World Cup squad later that year but he flew home midway through the tournament due to personal reasons.

It was rumored that White's early exit from Qatar was because of a row with coach Steve Holland but Southgate has repeatedly denied this.

After naming his latest 25-man squad on Thursday, Southgate spoke at a press conference.

He revealed that he was recently contacted by Arsenal sporting director Edu, who informed him that White did not wish to play for his country right now.

Ben White has played in 39 games for Arsenal this season but he has not appeared on the field for England since March 2022

IMAGO/Pro Sports Images/Nigel Keene

As quoted by BBC Sport, Southgate explained: "We had a call from Edu last week saying Ben didn't want to be considered for England squads at the moment.

"I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side. I don't know why that is, but I respect that. I leave the door open because he's a good player.

"There is no issue between us at all and there's also no issue with Steve Holland, which has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that."

When asked if he would consider selecting White again in future, Southgate replied: "I want that door wide open. He would be in this squad, but he's not available to us."

Southgate later added: "He's not the first player who, at certain times, didn't want to be available for selection.

"I've protected them because I've wanted the door to always be open for them. Sometimes I get the flak but people don't know the reasons. He's playing very well, but he's not available for selection."

Southgate named four players comfortable of operating at right-back in his latest squad - Kyle Walker, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa and John Stones.