Gareth Southgate Reveals Ben White’s Decision to Opt Out of England Duty Following Departure from Qatar World Cup for ‘Personal Reasons’ amid Reports of Disagreement with Steve Holland
Gareth Southgate has disclosed that Ben White “didn’t want to be considered” for England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Southgate confirmed his 25-man squad for the matches later this month and revealed that White had ruled himself out of selection.
He stated, “It’s absolutely the question you should ask because on form, I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be in. We had a call from Edu saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England at this time.”
Southgate displeased
Southgate expressed disappointment, adding, “It’s a great shame, he’s a player I really like. I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him and there was reticence on his side.
I don’t know why that is but I have to respect that and I want to leave the door open to him.”
He emphasized that there were no issues between them and clarified, “He’s not available to us but the other thing I would say is there’s no issue between us at all and never any issue with Steve Holland because that has been mentioned and I don’t like that.”
How it started?
During the 2022 World Cup, Ben White left the Three Lions squad early citing ‘personal reasons’, with Gareth Southgate later dismissing reports of a clash with assistant boss Holland. Southgate confirmed, “I have to respect it.
He’s not the first player that hasn’t wanted to be available for selection so I’ve always tried to protect them because I want the door to be open, even though I’m the one that gets it in the neck for not picking them.”
Despite not featuring in any of England’s group stage matches, White departed the camp on November 30, just days before their last-16 victory over Senegal.
Southgate acknowledged White’s decision, stating, “You have to allow them time to come through. We’ve had young players that don’t feel comfortable coming away with England so there can be all sorts of reasons for that. We should respect that. I repeat that he’s playing very well.”
New recruits to the Three lions squad
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon have earned their first England call-ups for these fixtures, while West Ham’s Kalvin Phillips will be absent.
Amidst speculations surrounding White’s departure from the World Cup squad due to a reported disagreement with Holland, Arsenal announced his contract extension until 2028 just hours before Southgate’s squad announcement.
White expressed his delight with the new deal, stating, “I have been on loan three times, I have been places for a year. I think this is the first time I’ve actually settled and known I am not going anywhere in the summer.
Being here is unbelievable and I’d love to stay (for more years).” He also noted the club’s ambition, saying, “I think when those sort of players are getting signed, it shows there is a real ambition about the club and it is something I am loving being a part of.”
