Ben White Omitted from England Squad: Southgate Reveals Reasons
Ben White, the talented defender from Arsenal, has been left out of England’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The decision was made by England manager Gareth Southgate, who revealed that White had made himself unavailable for selection. This comes as a surprise considering White’s impressive performances for Arsenal this season, including providing two assists in their recent victory against Brentford.
One of the reasons why White’s versatility is highly valued is his ability to play both as a centre-back and a right-back. This flexibility will undoubtedly be crucial for managers during the upcoming tournament. White had previously been selected for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but left the squad before the last-16 clash against Senegal due to undisclosed personal reasons. Speculation arose, suggesting a falling-out with members of England’s backroom staff. However, Southgate denies these rumors and states that White would have been chosen for the spring internationals if he hadn’t made himself unavailable.
When asked about White’s availability, Southgate expressed his disappointment at the player’s decision. He acknowledged White’s exceptional form and expressed his admiration for him as a player. Southgate had even spoken to White after the World Cup, expressing his intention to select him again in the future. Despite the setback, Southgate wants to leave the door open for White, emphasizing his belief that the defender could make a difference for England. He also clarified that there are no issues between them and that any mention of problems with Steve Holland, a key member of Southgate’s coaching team, is unfounded.
Southgate understands that players sometimes choose not to make themselves available for selection at certain times. As a leader, he tries to protect these players and keep the door open for them in the future. He believes that there can be various reasons for this decision, and it is important to respect the player’s wishes. While Southgate acknowledges White’s outstanding performances, he also recognizes the challenges of bringing him into the squad for the Euros, considering that other players have been part of the journey and have been playing regularly.
In conclusion, it is disappointing for England to not have a player of Ben White’s caliber available for selection. However, Southgate remains hopeful that White will reconsider in the future. The defender’s versatility and skill make him a valuable asset to the team, and Southgate wants to keep the door open for his return. As with past situations, where young players have initially felt uncomfortable representing England but eventually grew more at ease, Southgate aims to provide support and understanding.