Arsenal’s Ben White has hit the headlines again amid his continued absence from the England national team.
The 26-year-old last played for his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when Gareth Southgate was in charge – he left midway through the tournament.
There has been a lot of noise around the Arsenal defender since then and the reasoning behind him, not only leaving a major tournament early, but then not being selected for subsequent England squads.
Southgate made it clear that there was no issue with the player, but then White expressed a desire to not be picked for England.
Many thought that, as soon as Southgate departed as England boss, then White would return to the international set-up, but it hasn’t been the case.
England have picked up two wins under interim manager Lee Carsley this past week, including against Finland in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday night at Wembley.
Carlsey was asked about White’s situation and he shared that the player doesn’t want to be contacted, which all but ends his playing career on the big stage.
Many believe repping your country and that on the biggest stage of them all – the World Cup – is what football is all about.
Jamie O’Hara shared those thoughts and he hit out at the Arsenal player for not wanting to play for England by stating ‘I don’t respect him’, as he told talkSPORT (10/09/24 at 11:15 pm).
Ben White’s England career
“He doesn’t want to play for England, who cares,” responded O’Hara. “You don’t want to represent your nation, then fine. No problem.
“But don’t expect any respect from anyone. He doesn’t want to play for his country. I respect it (his decision not to play for England). I don’t respect him. He is entitled to do what he wants, but I don’t respect him.
“How can you now want to play for your country? It’s the highest pinnacle of your career. If you love the game and you love football, everything about it is. Can I play for England? It has been in the past (his ambition to play for England). As a footballer, that is part and parcel of your career, being away from your family, as Lee Carsley said, he hardly sees his family, but he understands the glory and satisfaction you get from walking out with your country. He plays for Arsenal. Everyone else is on international duty. He is going into an empty training camp or he goes away and has four days with your family. You can do that for 20 years after you retire. I don’t respect that he doesn’t want to represent his nation. He is a top football player – it is a big story and a big talking point.”
Advantage Arsenal
Martin Odegaard got injured on international duty, so the Arsenal fans were given another reason to hate the international break.
Added to that, many feel Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are overworked, especially when they play for England.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker hits out at what he is hearing about Arsenal and Declan Rice
So, White now having that extra rest will be music to the ears of Mikel Arteta and the supporters because that’s one player less to worry about, in regards to getting injured or fatigued outside of their power.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
