Ben White Opts Out of England Selection Talks, Lee Carsley Confirms
In a candid revelation, England head coach Lee Carsley has confirmed that he has no intention of speaking to Arsenal defender Ben White regarding an England call-up. The reason? White has explicitly requested not to be contacted for international duty. This decision by White continues to draw attention, as it leaves fans and pundits wondering about the future of his international career.
Speaking to Miguel Delaney, Carsley shared, “I’ve not planned to talk to Ben White. White has asked to be NOT contacted. We’re not talking, it’s his decision.” This statement reveals that White’s stance remains firm, even after Gareth Southgate stepped down as head coach. Despite the new regime, White seems set on keeping his distance from the national team, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind his decision.
The reaction to this news has been mixed, with some fans expressing amusement at White’s decision. One user jokingly remarked, “Let’s be real, Ben White just wants to spend his international breaks getting a spray tan and a bikini wax,” highlighting the ongoing meme culture around the defender’s distinct personality and off-pitch preferences. While the comment was made in jest, it reflects the lighter, playful side of the football community, which often pokes fun at players for their unique lifestyles and choices.
However, others took a more critical view of White’s situation. One fan commented, “For what it's worth, 99% of people don't want Ben White to be contacted about an England call-up either,” suggesting that White’s absence isn’t a major loss for the national team, especially given the depth of talent in his position. With defenders like Rico Lewis, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kyle Walker available, some feel that White’s decision doesn’t negatively impact England’s chances in upcoming tournaments.
That being said, there are those who admire White’s resolve and his decision to stand by his principles. “I love when someone stands by their word! But then Ben should reconsider his position with the national team now that they have a new manager,” said one fan, suggesting that White might want to revisit his stance with a fresh managerial approach in place. Lee Carsley’s appointment may offer a new dynamic, and some believe it’s worth exploring whether White could reconcile his issues and return to the England setup.
Interestingly, another comment sheds light on a deeper reason for White’s reluctance to be part of the national team. “I really don’t blame him when the staff he had ‘issues’ with is still on the team currently. Until that fella leaves the England team, White will NOT play for England,” this user points out, hinting at lingering tensions within the team’s structure that may have contributed to White’s departure during the 2022 World Cup. Reports at the time suggested that White left the England camp due to personal reasons, and this latest revelation adds to the speculation that unresolved issues with certain staff members may still be at play.
One thing is clear: Ben White’s situation with England is complicated, and his decision to distance himself from the national team has left fans divided. Some believe his absence is insignificant given the strength of other players in his position, while others feel that his talent could still benefit the squad, especially under the guidance of a new coach like Carsley.
Whether White will reconsider his decision remains to be seen, but for now, his focus seems to be solely on his club career with Arsenal. As the Gunners continue to push for success in both domestic and European competitions, it appears that White is content with taking a step back from the international spotlight, at least for the foreseeable future.
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