EXCLUSIVE
‘It’s disgusting’ – Ben White’s England situation sparks furious rant from Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp launched a furious tirade at Ben White following the defender’s request to be left out of the England squad.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate announced his squad for the upcoming double header against Brazil and Belgium, however White’s glaring omission caught the eye of reporters.
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When quizzed on the 26-year-old's whereabouts, Southgate revealed he received correspondence from Arsenal last week to inform them of White’s decision.
"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,” Southgate said.
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"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.”
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.
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“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.”
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Redknapp believes Southgate should have informed White that he would no longer be in consideration for future squads during his tenure.
“If he doesn’t want to play, it’s fine, okay but don’t play any more, thank you very much,” Redknapp continued.
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“You should be proud to play for your country. If you don’t want to play there’s plenty of other people who would give their right arm to play for England.
“If he doesn't want to do it, it's the end of him. If I’m Gareth now I’m saying thanks very much, we won’t bother you again.”
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Others have been more sympathetic with White as the entire context of the situation remains unclear.
But reacting to Redknapp's comments, Arsenal legend Martin Keown said: "With Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore and Martin Peters, all the famous players who came out of that football club [West Ham], they were incredible - what they did for their country.
"Everyone wanted to follow that route. So it is quite staggering that a player does not want to be involved."
Keown added: "It is a shame and I think he'll reflect on it one day at the end of his career and think he's made a mistake.
"Even if I got the call now, not that they would want me, but I would still make myself available.
"I don't think you ever retire or step down from wanting to play international football.
"So I'm quite surprised. We've not heard from the player. He came back from Qatar - was he sent home? Did he ask to leave? I'm not sure.
"It's a real shame because we need him. He's in outstanding form."
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