Ben White Leeds
Arsenal defender Ben White has been unexpectedly called up to the England squad for upcoming matches against Uruguay and Japan, following Jarell Quansah’s withdrawal due to injury. Initially omitted from the squad, White’s inclusion marks a significant turn in his international career, especially after previously making himself unavailable for selection under former manager Gareth Southgate.
Ben White said: “I got a phone call, got told the news. I was out for dinner, I didn’t really believe it! Yeah, I just sat and cried for about an hour. I couldn’t really believe it and I don’t think it’s settled in yet. I didn’t really think that I would be called.”
White’s journey with the England national team has been turbulent. Despite his initial selection joy, he faced disappointment after the Qatar World Cup fallout. His last international appearance was against Ivory Coast in March 2022, marking his fourth cap over two years.
Collymore said: “The biggest talking point from Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad is that Ben White refused to be called up. The defender, according to The Athletic, doesn’t want to represent his country for several reasons, including finding it difficult being further down in Southgate’s pecking order. Firstly, and assuming The Athletic’s report is accurate, what a disgrace. If every player took that same stance, international football would be chaos and probably couldn’t happen. White is having a decent season for Arsenal but I don’t think he’s good enough anyway. Credit where it’s due – he is certainly versatile – he can play at right back, centre-back and even drift into midfield, but there is no way he’s going to get in ahead of Kyle Walker or John Stones, both of whom can also play those roles. So for me, thanks but no thanks, Mr White. We know you want to be a nailed-on starter but you can’t always get exactly what you want, especially at international level and especially in tournament football. It’s a squad game and if you’re lucky enough to get a chance, it’s on you to take it, but he’s refused the opportunity.”
The speculation around White’s potential return to the national team was fueled by comments from England U21 manager Lee Carsley. Despite omitting White from the Nations League fixtures against Ireland and Finland, Carsley hinted at a possible future inclusion.
Carsley said: “I’ve seen in some of the press reports that he was open to [returning] but it’s gone no further. So, as far as I’m aware, he wasn’t available for selection. Nothing’s changed in my two weeks of being here.”
Carsley added: “Any player that’s playing well in the Premier League, that’s playing week in, week out, especially at the level that Arsenal play at, is obviously going to be under consideration. I just think it’s a bit too early now given the seriousness of the injury that he had. We are honoured speaking to him, speaking to Ben, delighted that he’s back on the bench. Now it’s just a question of getting more minutes, more rhythm. He wants to be back.”
White’s recurring fitness issues over the past two seasons have limited his appearances for Arsenal, leading to Jurrien Timber taking his starting position. However, his recent call-up indicates a potential resurgence in his international prospects. As White looks to regain his form and fitness, the upcoming matches could be pivotal in re-establishing his place in the England squad.
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