Ben White’s post after England debut goes viral as Gareth Southgate says he didn’t want to be selected
Ben White's social media post after his England debut has resurfaced after he missed out on the latest squad.
Gareth Southgate's 23-man side for their upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium was announced on Thursday afternoon.
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Despite his recent excellent form for Arsenal, White was not named in the squad, with Joe Gomez and Jarrad Branthwaite among the defenders to be picked instead.
Southgate then revealed that Gunners sporting director Edu called him to say the defender didn't want to be considered for selection.
White's post celebrating his Three Lions debut in 2021 against Austria has since gone viral, with his caption reading: "Something you dream of as a kid. Loved every minute of it!!
Gareth Southgate reveals Ben White asked to be left out of England squad and admits he doesn’t know why
Fans reacted to his omission on the post, with one saying: "This is the guy who 'doesn’t want to be called up'…"
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"One love story that is not going as planned, we are all with you Mr White," added a second.
An optimistic third said: "This dream isn't over yet. It's only suspended."
"You really think this guy doesn’t want to play for England if he can help it?" added a fourth.
White last played for England in a 3-0 friendly win against the Ivory Coast in 2022 and was named in their World Cup squad in Qatar.
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However, he left the Three Lions camp early on in the tournament, with the reason for departing being cited as personal reasons.
The 26-year-old hasn't featured since he made the bench in their 0-0 draw against the USA in the group stage.
Arsenal players including Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba bust Ben White myths in wholesome contract announcement video
Former West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham boss Redknapp, has taken a different view on the situation and believes the door should now be slammed shut on White’s international career.
“I think Gareth Southgate said the door’s still open, didn't he? The door should be slammed right in his mush,” a furious Redknapp told talkSPORT.
“He doesn't want to play for his country, he goes to the World Cup then comes home because he’s not getting in the team.
“I’m sorry, you’ve had your opportunity,” he added. “You don’t want to play for England? You tell the Bobby Moores of this world who’s got 100-odd caps. The Shiltons, the Beckhams, the Rooneys – those people, go and tell the Billy Bonds of this world who didn’t get a cap and should have done, and all those great players that you don’t want to play for your country.
“I think it’s disgusting, I can’t have it.”
But former England international Jermaine Jenas doesn't see it the same way.
He told the Daily Mail: "It is strange. I think not everybody's patriotic, and I think we have to accept that. I think Ben has his own reasons why he feels it's best for him to not be selected for England. For all we know, him not being selected with England has such a positive impact on his club career, and he wants to focus on that.
"Not everybody's the same in football. We like to kind of pigeonhole players like, 'you've got to fight for your country'”'. It might be a footballing reason. It might be like, 'what's the point in me going if I'm not going to play?'"
Rumours of a rift between White and England coaching staff have been denied by Southgate, with a potential return still up in the air.
Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon received their first senior call-ups for England in the latest squad.
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Kalvin Phillips was left out amid his poor form on loan at West Ham, although his Hammers teammate Jarrod Bowen was selected
Chelsea's top scorer this season Cole Palmer has also been named, along with other notable inclusions including Ivan Toney and Gomez.
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