Ben White’s England exile is set to continue and the Arsenal star won’t be named in Lee Carsley’s first squad on Thursday, according to reports.
White hasn’t played for his country since a nasty fall-out with Gareth Southgate’s No.2 Steve Holland at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite his obvious ability.
Southgate and Holland departed after the Three Lions lost the Euro 2024 final this summer – and it was thought that White may be reintroduced after their exit.
But according to the Daily Mail, interim England boss Carsley will not pick White in his first squad, due to the fact that the defender’s stance has not changed.
They claim that White remains ‘nonplussed’ about adding to his four international caps – and that resuming his England career isn’t a ‘compelling prospect’ for him.
White was on holiday in Dubai playing Uno on the beach with his wife earlier this year on the same day that England lost 1-0 to Brazil in a friendly.
He was brutally slammed by Harry Redknapp in March, who said: ‘Gareth said the door was still open [for White] but I think it should be slammed right in his mush.
‘I’m sorry, you’ve had your opportunity and you don’t want to play for England? You tell the Bobby Moores of this world whose got 100-odd caps.
‘The Shiltons, the Beckhams, the Rooneys – those people, go and tell the Billy Bonds of this world who didn’t get a cap and should have done, and all those great players that you don’t want to play for your country.
‘I think it’s disgusting, I can’t have it. If he doesn’t want to play, that’s fine, but he shouldn’t be considered anymore for England.
‘He should be proud to play for his country and if you don’t want to play there will be plenty of other people who would give their right arm to play for England.’
Jeff Stelling, meanwhile, added: ‘He has been enjoying his time there by the looks of it, whilst his England teammates suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil, Ben was enjoying a game of Uno and soaking up the sun on a beach in Dubai.
‘I have a bit of sympathy for people who play cards, but not Ben. What are you doing? What are you doing posting the fact that you are in Dubai playing cards? You decided not to play for England, that’s fine. Your prerogative, just let the boys get on with it.’
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