Ben White’s decision to stay away from the England national team has ignited discussion amidst his strong club form for Arsenal.

While the specific reasons remain unknown, Gareth Southgate’s comments and White’s recent experiences offer potential clues regarding this situation.

The situation between Arsenal defender Ben White and the England National Team has become one of the most talked-about topics in English football. White’s recent decision to decline future call-ups, despite his impressive club form, has raised questions and sparked speculation about the reasons behind his choice.

England manager Gareth Southgate made the surprising revelation that White has expressed a desire to be left out of the national team squad, both for the present and for the upcoming European Championships this summer. While the exact reasons for this remain shrouded in mystery, a few potential factors may be contributing to White’s decision.

Firstly, it’s important to remember that White initially had a strong emotional connection to the England team. His initial call-up in 2021 brought about a deeply emotional reaction, indicating his pride and excitement in representing his country. However, his experiences at major tournaments seem to have chipped away at that initial enthusiasm.

White faced limited-to-no involvement at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. Despite being a part of the squad, rarely being selected would no doubt be a source of frustration for the talented defender, especially when you consider some of the players who were picked to play ahead of him, like Harry Maguire.

Additionally, reports of a disagreement between White and England assistant manager Steve Holland during the World Cup persist despite denials from Southgate.

In the midst of this, White has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract with the club. This could signal a shift in priorities, with White choosing to focus on his club career in order to benefit from the less-demanding schedule that comes without international duty.

Gareth Southgate, emphasising a lack of animosity or conflict, has publicly expressed his disappointment while respecting White’s decision, although he also admitted to possibly throwing White under the bus (see key points below). Southgate maintains a sliver of hope that the defender might reconsider in the future. That seems unlikely under Southgate.

Only time will tell whether White will eventually change his mind or if his recent decision marks a long-term break from international football. For now, the focus shifts to his continued contributions for a surging Arsenal side.

Key points

• Ben White, has informed England manager Gareth Southgate that he does not want to be considered for England selection currently or for the upcoming European Championship.
• White left the England squad during the 2022 World Cup due to “personal reasons.”
• Southgate emphasises that there is no bad blood between White, himself, or assistant manager Steve Holland. He respects White’s decision but hopes the player will reconsider in the future.
• The reason for White’s decision remains unknown.
• Southgate said he had to reveal White’s decision publicly, acknowledging it could lead to a backlash against the player, as he felt keeping it secret would harm his own credibility given White’s strong form.
• Southgate has also decided to postpone talks about extending his own contract with the England team until after Euro 2024.
• White initially displayed a strong emotional reaction to being called up for England in 2021, suggesting an initial desire to play for his country.
• Reports indicate a disagreement between White and assistant manager Steve Holland during the World Cup, although it occurred a week before White left the squad.
• Ben White has officially signed a new, long-term contract with Arsenal.
• The deal runs until 2028 with an option to extend until 2029.
• White expressed his happiness and desire to remain with Arsenal.
• White is expected to receive a significant pay raise with the new contract.
• White’s consistent performances and appearances for the Gunners underscore his value to the team.