Gareth Southgate says the door to an England return for Ben White is still open and denied suggestions the Arsenal defender rejected a call-up for the forthcoming friendly double-header against Brazil and Belgium due to a fall-out with his assistant Steve Holland.
White has not played for England since leaving the squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to personal reasons.
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Southgate had intended to recall him for the next two games but last week received a message from Arsenal stating the player did not wish to be considered.
The Three Lions boss said: “We had a call from [Arsenal’s sporting director] 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 has been speculation White and Holland had a falling out in Qatar which has lingered, but Southgate made it clear that was not the case.
He added: “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.
“I have to accept things are false about me, but I’m not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us.
“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 flack but people don’t know the reasons. He’s playing very well, but he’s not available for selection.”
Jarrad Branthwaite today received a maiden call-up to the squad, leaping ahead of White in the pecking order with the next squad that Southgate picks the one that will represent England at the European Championship this summer.
Despite his chances of appearing in Germany seemingly receding, Southgate insists White remains under consideration, adding: “I want that door wide open. He would be in this squad, but he’s not available to us.
“[But] clearly to come in for June now would be difficult because others have been in the squads and playing regularly.
“With situations like that, you have to assess those who have been on your journey the whole way through.”
