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.
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.
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.
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.