England have named their 26 players who will be catching a plane to Germany for Euros on official England football team site. The three lions will be looking to win their first major trophy since 1966. Last Euros, Gareth Southgate’s side came very close but unfortunately lost the final against Italy on home turf. Recently, England have announced their squad in which it appears that Arsenal star Ben White is missing.
White had a very good season with Arsenal. The 26 year old right back played 37 matches in Premier League and was key component for the squad. He also scored 4 goals along with providing 4 assists which is an impressive figure for the full back. White was also an important player in Champions league and started all of the 10 games for Gunners.
With such an amazing form many believed White would be finally on his way back to national team. However White requested not to be selected in England squad. Recently he was seen enjoying his holidays with his model wife Milly.
Why White doesn’t want to represent England
Ben White has been featured in three lions jersey for only 4 times. White hasn’t represented the nation since leaving the squad early in 2022 world cup. The reason behind White’s leaving was said to be due to personal reasons. In March, White received an opportunity to represent the nation again which the defender rejected. Before announcing the squad for Euro, Southgate contacted Edu who is sporting director of Arsenal. Edu revealed that White is unavailable for the selection.
It is believed that White had issues with Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland which makes him unavailable for England. White was reported to leave England camp early in 2022 due to the same issues. Holland was reported in not having faith in the Arsenal defender. However Southgate has declined all these rumours and told that there are no issues between White and Holland. The England boss has the back of his assistant and has all the talks to be false.
Southgate continued to add how good White has been in the recent times. However he said that it was player’s decision to not represent the nation and often times people criticize him. Southgate said that the door will be always open if White decides otherwise, but for now he won’t be available for the Euros.
Lack of game time due to saturation
England have a lot of saturation at the right back position. This often led White having to sit on the bench. Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander Arnold are all three top quality full backs. Due to this White didn’t receive a single opportunity throughout the last Euros. Due to constantly missing out, White was unable to adapt in England squad and maybe this is another reason for the full back to take this decision.
White’s decision could receive a lot of negatives from the fans. However Arsenal may view it as a positive for the club. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will not have to worry about losing him next season due to injury in the international games. White would be returning to the pre-season with Arsenal with a fresh mind. White has recently signed a new contract which makes him Arsenal player until 2029.
Who else is missing out from England squad
Gareth Southgate has decided to not include Jack Grealish and James Maddison. Harry Maguire has been an important player in defense for Southgate over the recent years. However the United man has not been perfectly fit for the selection. John Stones, Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw have been included in the squad but still are facing fitness concerns.
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