Gareth Southgate reveals Ben White told England he did NOT want to be called up.. but boss denies rift with Arsenal star

ARSENAL defender Ben White snubbed a spot in the latest England squad, according to Gareth Southgate.

White has not featured for the Three Lions since 2022.

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Ben White snubbed the chance to be named in the latest England squad[/caption]

Southgate said: “On form, I can’t say he doesn’t deserve to be here. John McDermott had a call from Edu last week saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England at this time.

“That’s a shame. He’s a player I really like. I spoke to him post Qatar and there was clearly reticence from his side. I don’t know fully why that is.

“But I want to leave the door open because he’s a good player. There is no issue between us at all.

“I should say there is no issue with Steve Holland, that has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.

“I have to accept things get said about me, and you have to stomach that, but I’m not prepared to have that for a key member of my coaching team because that is not the reason.

He continued: “100 per cent (door is still open for Euros for White). He would be in this squad but he’s not available to us.”

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