Ben White’s self-imposed exile from the England team began when the Arsenal star was unable to answer a question from assistant coach Steve Holland.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
WHAT HAPPENED?
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, White was asked a question in front of his team-mates by Holland regarding Arsenal’s performance and was unable to answer, The Telegraph reports. Holland is said to have responded by saying that was a result of the defender not being interested in football – something the player has hinted in the past but insists was taken out of context – and White asked to be allowed to leave the team’s camp and return to England days later.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Football Association said that White had left the team due to “personal reasons” but he has not returned to the national team since. White was not named in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium and Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that the player has asked to be omitted.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Football Association said that White had left the team due to “personal reasons” but he has not returned to the national team since. White was not named in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium and Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that the player has asked to be omitted.
WHAT NEXT FOR WHITE?
It is not yet known if White will declare himself ready to be called up for Three Lions duty anytime soon. While the national team will take on Brazil and Belgium at Wembley, the 26-year-old will prepare for Arsenal’s next game – against Manchester City on March 31.
