Ben White has been one of the standout performers for Arsenal since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in a big-money move worth over $60 million. His versatility has helped Arsenal out a lot, with Arteta often shifting the natural center back to a wider role as a wing- or full-back in his Arsenal career so far, and the England international has delivered.
Every player dreams of representing his country at some point in his career, and Ben White fulfilled that dream in June 2021 when he made his debut for England. He has since been considered for selection, making the team to the last World Cup in Qatar, but a mystery reason made him walk away from the squad. Gareth Southgate has now weighed in on his issue, seemingly leaving the door open for his return to the team.
Gareth Southgate discusses Ben White’s possible return to England NT
Although many may not see it clearly, Ben White is one of the reasons Arsenal have been title contenders for a few seasons now. The Englishman joined the Gunners in the summer of 2021 and has been one of Arsenal’s best players during this period. His consistent high-level performances have earned him praise from fans and pundits, and England manager Gareth Southgate is a great fan of his craft.
No one understands why White has refused to play for England since walking away from the squad in the last World Cup in Qatar, citing personal reasons. However, Gareth Southgate has weighed in on the issue, as he issued an ultimatum for White to return to the team if he wants to be considered for future selections.
“For me, that is a great shame,” the England boss said. “He’s a player we took to the Euros, a player we took to the World Cup, and I spoke with him post-Qatar because I wanted to pick him. I want that door wide open. He would be in the squad, but he’s not available to us, and I have to focus on who can help us,” the manager added.
Southgate also said Ben White had made himself unavailable for consideration for the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany, which remains a mystery to many people, as he continues to play excellently well for Arsenal this season.
Why did Ben White snub England NT call up?
Kobbie Mainoo couldn’t contain his joy after receiving news that he had been called up to the first team last week. He ended up playing the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, winning the man of the match award in the latter. This is to say that players always admit that getting called up to play for their national teams is always a huge honor. It is what they fight for whenever they play for their clubs.
This brings us to wonder why Ben White has been turning down such an opportunity since the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022. White left the England World Cup camp due to personal reasons and hasn’t played for his country ever since. “The only thing that matters is what he thinks, and at the moment in time, he obviously doesn’t want to play for England,” his club teammate Declan Rice said.
“I really hope he changes his mind because I see him every day. He is such a good character—for people who don’t know, he is very composed and level-headed,” he added.
Whatever reason White has for rejecting to play for England, he’s keeping it very close to his chest. However, reports have claimed it could be an issue with England’s assistant manager, Steve Holland. Everyone hopes he comes out to explain his side of the story soon, but as things currently stand, he’ll most likely not represent England at the 2024 Euro in Germany.
