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Gareth Southgate knows that there may be negative reactions towards Ben White after White chose not to join the England team, but Southgate believed it was impossible to hide the true reason behind White’s exclusion on Thursday.
Arsenal’s White has been a standout player in the Premier League this season and was expected to be included in the 25-man squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.
Unfortunately, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu recently conveyed to John McDermott, the technical director at the Football Association, that White is not interested in being considered for the current England squads. This decision follows his absence from the squad since being sent home early from the 2022 World Cup.
White departed Qatar due to unspecified personal reasons, however, news sources later revealed a possible altercation with England’s assistant coach, Steve Holland.
–> On Thursday, Southgate refuted any rumors of a disagreement, but White not being included in the injured-filled squad has led to discussions about his future as a potential international player.
“Last week, Edu contacted John McDermott and informed him that Ben has declined to be considered for England squads at the moment. In my opinion, this is unfortunate news,” said Southgate.
“England was the ultimate achievement for me. Although I didn’t necessarily enjoy every moment, there were certainly times where I felt nervous about facing tough opponents. However, I was always determined to push myself and see how far I could go.”
I would like to leave the door ajar without any negative consequences.
The things I feel remorse for in my lifetime are the ones I haven’t attempted, not the ones I’ve failed at. To me, it was always the most important achievement, but I never had the chance to compete for a league title or reach the final rounds of the Champions League. I cannot speculate on the reasons behind this missed opportunity.
“We must honor that. There is a clear justification, but I am not aware of all the details behind it.”
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“In these circumstances, my goal has been to safeguard the players. However, given the timing of the request to be removed from the list and the fact that not selecting him may harm my credibility, it is now impossible to do so.”
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“It would be inappropriate to not acknowledge our current circumstances. We have communicated to Arsenal our intention to do so, and if a choice is made, we must stand by it.”
I want to maintain a possibility for the future. I do not want any negative reactions. I am aware of the potential for that, but I have been informed that he has confirmed signing a new agreement, so it is evident that he has the support of the Arsenal supporters.
Unfortunately, I am unable to select the player I admire due to limitations. I acknowledge their talent, but it is not within my capability to choose them.
“I have a deep level of respect for this decision. I understand that the opportunity may no longer be available for the Euros due to the current circumstances. However, I am optimistic about our future and hope that he may reconsider in the future.”
Southgate handed White his England debut against Austria in June 2021, then drafted him into the squad for that summer’s rearranged Euros as replacement for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. The defender did not make an appearance in the run to the final, nor did he play a minute at the World Cup in Qatar.
Shortly after it was revealed that he had agreed to a better deal at the Emirates Stadium, it was made public that White has no desire to increase his four England appearances.
The PA news agency has confirmed that the 26-year-old has accepted a new contract that will last for four years, with the possibility of an additional 12 months, after playing in every Premier League match this season.
Source: independent.co.uk
