‘A great shame’ - Gareth Southgate reveals Ben White made himself unavailable for England selection

England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that Arsenal’s Ben White has made himself unavailable for selection, describing it as a “great shame”.

The defender, who signed a new contract with the Premier League side today, has not been involved for his country since withdrawing from the squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite impressive form with his club.

The penultimate squad before Euro 2024 was announced on Thursday afternoon, with uncapped Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite one beneficiary of White’s absence.

“Clearly on form, I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be here,” said Southgate, who hopes White will eventually change his mind.

“[FA technical director] John McDermott had a call from [Arsenal sporting director] Edu last night saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads.

“It’s a great shame, he’s a player I really like, a player we took to the Euros, a player I took to the World Cup.

“I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him, there was clearly reticence on his side. I don't know fully why that is, but I have to respect that.

“I want to leave the door open to him, he’s a good player, a player who can make a difference for England, but he’s not available to us.”

Although Southgate is not completely sure why White is not available, he has ruled out a rift with assistant manager Steve Holland, which was widely reported around the time of his withdrawal in Qatar.

“The only other thing I’d say is there is no issue between us, and there was never any issue with Steve Holland,” said the England boss.

“That has been mentioned in articles, I don't like that. People can talk about me, and I have to accept that things get said and are false about me, and you have to stomach that, but I’m not prepared for that to happen for a key member of my coaching team.

“That is not the reason Ben is not available for selection.”

Southgate says the door is open for White to return if he has a change of heart but thinks it is unlikely he will be available for the European Championship.

“Clearly to come in for June now would be difficult,” Southgate said. “Others have been in squads and playing regularly.

“When you have a situation like that you’ve got to assess those who have been on the journey all the way through, we’ve done that over the years with various different situations.”

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