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Ben White will not get England recall: Why the Arsenal star remains out of the squad

Ben White will not get England recall: Why the Arsenal star remains out of the squad
Ben White will not get England recall: Why the Arsenal star remains out of the squad

Ben White’s absence from the England squad looks set to continue, as interim manager Lee Carsley prepares to name his team for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Despite his exceptional form for Arsenal, White remains on the outside looking in, following a self-imposed exile from the national team that dates back to the 2022 World Cup and is not expected to be called up.

CARS TO SWERVE WHITE England stand-in boss Lee unlikely to call on Arsenal defender Ben Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)29 Aug 2024BY JOHN CROSS Chief Football Writer @johncrossmirror BEN WHITE’S England exile looks set to continue. Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley names his first squad today for the back-to-back Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, on September 7 and 10 respectively. Arsenal defender White has not been in the set-up since leaving the England squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Former boss Gareth Southgate had a chat about him returning in March, but White made himself unavailable and did not go to the Euros. White has been in brilliant form for Arsenal and has not ruled out a return in the future, but is unlikely to be named in the squad this time. Carsley is ready to stamp his authority on the squad, even though he has been given the role of caretaker. But the incentive is there that if they win all six games – with Greece also in England’s group – Carsley (below) would put himself in a strong position to get the job permanently. He led England’s Under-21s to victory in the European Championship last year and is certain to include as many players as possible from his time working with the age groups. That could mean a chance for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-white and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott was in that squad. Noni Madueke shone for Chelsea as he scored a hat-trick at Wolves on Sunday while Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were also part of that success. This time Jude Bellingham is out injured, so England may look to Palmer to provide midfield inspiration. Kieran Trippier is at risk as he turns 34 next month and Newcastle team-mate Tino Livramento is pushing for inclusion. Harry Maguire will hope to return after missing out on the Euros. But it looks certain Carsley will want to stamp his free-flowing style of play on the squad. He has also shaken up the backroom staff, with ex-england full-back Ashley Cole stepping up, with Joleon Lescott and Tim Dittmer, FA head of coaching. Article Name:CARS TO SWERVE WHITE Publication:Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland) Author:BY JOHN CROSS Chief Football Writer @johncrossmirror Start Page:57 End Page:57
Daily Mirror, 29 August 2024

White’s decision to step away from the England setup has been a topic of speculation and controversy since he left the squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Officially, White cited “personal reasons” for his departure, but reports soon emerged suggesting a rift between him and then-England assistant coach Steve Holland.

According to various sources, the disagreement reportedly stemmed from Holland questioning White’s football knowledge in front of his teammates, a comment that deeply upset the Arsenal defender.

The situation escalated further in March 2024 when Gareth Southgate, then England manager, attempted to bring White back into the fold for friendlies against Belgium and Brazil.

White, however, made himself unavailable, choosing instead to focus on his club commitments with Arsenal.

This decision was reportedly influenced by his continued reluctance to work under Southgate and Holland, effectively ruling him out of the Euros this summer.

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Ben White of England looks on during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 26: Ben White of England looks on during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

With Southgate and Holland both having departed following England’s Euro 2024 campaign, there was speculation that White might reconsider his stance.

His agent, Alexander Levack, has hinted that a return could be possible in the future but was non-committal about any immediate plans. “It’s all ifs, buts, and maybes,” Levack told Sky Sports recently. “It’s just hard to comment at the minute. It’s not something we’ve spoken in depth about. So I suppose… wait and see.”

Despite the change in England’s coaching staff, it appears that White will not be included in Carsley’s first squad, which is set to be announced today (Thursday).

Carsley, who is looking to stamp his authority on the team as interim boss, seems inclined to continue without White, focusing instead on players he worked with during his successful stint as England Under-21 manager.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

White’s decision to prioritise his club career over international duty has not gone unnoticed, particularly given his outstanding performances for Arsenal. Since his move from Brighton to the Emirates in 2021, White has developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, excelling in both central defence and at right-back.

His versatility, defensive solidity, and ability to play out from the back have been crucial to Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.

While Arsenal fans have appreciated White’s focus on his club responsibilities, his absence from the national team has been a point of frustration for some, who believe he could add valuable depth and quality to England’s defence.

As England prepares for a new chapter under interim manager Lee Carsley, the question remains whether White will ever return to the national team. Much will depend on the direction the FA takes with the permanent managerial appointment and whether the new regime values White’s on-field contributions while respecting his individual approach to the game.

For now, White appears content to focus on Arsenal, where he continues to play a key role in their bid to challenge for the Premier League title. His agent’s comments suggest that a return to the England squad is not entirely off the table, but it is clear that any decision will be on White’s terms.

As Carsley prepares to announce his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, Ben White’s continued absence serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between club commitments and international duty, and how personal decisions can shape a player’s career.