Ben White has asked not to be considered for an England call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, after leaving the Three Lions squad early during the 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Geoff Stelling has criticized Arsenal defender Ben White for “playing cards on the beach” on the same day England were defeated by Brazil.
White did not want to be considered for the Three Lions' squad earlier this month. Arsenal manager Edu informed Gareth Southgate of his decision not to include White in the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, even though he has been in excellent form this season.
On Saturday – the same day England faced Brazil at Wembley – his wife, Millie White, posted a photo on Instagram of the pair enjoying some time off and lounging on sunbeds while playing the card game Uno. According to the daily MailWhite traveled to Dubai to enjoy some sunshine before Arsenal take on Manchester City this weekend.
Stelling said: “Arsenal defender Ben White traveled to Dubai.” talkSPORT. “He decided he didn't want to play for England in the matches against Brazil and Belgium.
“He was enjoying his time there and while 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 little sympathy for people who play cards, but not Ben. What are you doing? What are you doing spreading the fact that you're in Dubai playing cards? You've decided not to play for England, that's fine. It's your right. Just let the boys get on with it.”
White has not played for England since March 2022 but was selected to participate in the World Cup in Qatar later that year. However, the 26-year-old left the camp midway through the tournament for “personal reasons”, sparking speculation that he was involved in an altercation with assistant manager Steve Holland.
Following his return to Arsenal, White continued to impress for the Gunners as they battled for the Premier League title last season. Although Mikel Arteta's side missed out on the top spot, White has been at the top again this season and bagged two assists in their 2-1 win over Brentford on 9 March.
After announcing his squad for the matches against Brazil and Belgium this month, Southgate revealed that White had refused to be available for selection. He said: I spoke to him after Qatar and he was cautious on his part.
“I don't know why. There's no problem between us at all and there's also no problem with Steve, which is mentioned in the articles and I don't like that. I have to accept that things are wrong about me. “But I'm not ready for that to happen to my coaching staff. “That's not why Ben's not with us.”
England lost 1-0 to Brazil on Saturday thanks to a second-half goal from new Real Madrid striker Endrik. It was the Three Lions' first home defeat in 21 matches, but they will hope to bounce back when they face Belgium on Tuesday – their last match before the provisional Euro squad is announced.
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