White 'didn't want to be considered' for England squad
- Published
England manager Gareth Southgate says Ben White "didn't want to be considered" for an England call-up.
Southgate announced his squad for the friendlies against Belgium and Brazil on Wednesday and White was again absent. He has not featured for England since leaving the World Cup camp in November 2022.
"We had a call from [Arsenal's sporting director] Edu last week saying Ben didn't want to be considered for England squads at the moment," said Southgate.
"I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side. I don't know why that is, but I respect that. I leave the door open because he's a good player.
"There is no issue between us at all and there's also no issue with [assistant manager] Steve Holland, which has been mentioned in articles, and I don't like that.
"I have to accept things are false about me, but I'm not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us."
Southgate was asked if there was still an opportunity for White to return to the squad.
"I want that door wide open," he replied. "He would be in this squad, but he's not available to us."