Gareth Southgate urges fans to support Ben White amid England absence

England manager Gareth Southgate has urged fans to support Ben White, who has requested not to be considered for national team selection despite his recent contract with Arsenal. Southgate clarified that White's absence from the squad makes his inclusion in the Euros unlikely, but the door remains open for future selections. He also expressed concern over Manchester United defender Luke Shaw's fitness, indicating he could miss the Euros due to a muscle injury.

Zor

March 15, 2024

England manager Gareth Southgate has asked fans to support Ben White after the Arsenal defender requested not to be considered for national team selection. Despite White’s red-hot form and recent signing of a new four-year contract with Arsenal, the 26-year-old has opted out of the upcoming squad to face Brazil and Belgium due to personal reasons.

Southgate emphasized that the decision does not diminish White’s value or the respect he has within the England setup. He expressed disappointment at not being able to include White in the squad but stressed the need to respect the player’s wishes. Southgate confirmed that White’s absence from this squad makes his inclusion in the Euros unlikely, but the door remains open for future selections. Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, informed FA chief John McDermott of White’s decision, reiterating the player’s stance.

Southgate emphasized that there are no issues between him, White, or his coaching staff, despite speculation suggesting otherwise. On a separate note, Southgate expressed concern over Manchester United defender Luke Shaw’s fitness, indicating that Shaw could miss the Euros due to a muscle injury. He acknowledged the uncertainty around Shaw’s availability and the potential impact on the squad.

🚨 England coach Southgate: “We had a call from Arsenal last week to say that Ben White didn’t want to be considered for England squads”. pic.twitter.com/tZbqsF1H5i

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 14, 2024

Ben White

Arsenal

Defender, Midfielder

England England

Age: 27

186 cm

78 kg

Season 2023/2024

See all

Played 37 1 Missed

Minutes 2995 80.9 Avg

Goals 4 0.1 Avg

Assist 4 0.1 Avg

Attempt 20 0.5 Avg

Passes 1874 50.682.8% AvgSucc

Yellow 7 0.2 Avg

Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 27 times for 2139 minutes for Premier League.

Ben White scored 2 goals for Arsenal. He procured 4 assists. He received 4 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Premier League. In the last match Arsenal won 2-1 against Brentford. The next match in Premier League will be against Manchester City.