Arsenal star open for return to international duty following Gareth Southgate's England exit - Reports
Arsenal defender Ben White is reportedly considering a return to international football with England now that Gareth Southgate has resigned. The Gunners right-back hasn't appeared for the Three Lions since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Daily Star reports that White is contemplating a U-turn over his decision to turn his back on his national team. He told Southgate not to consider selecting him for Euro 2024 after falling out with his assistant Steve Holland two years ago in Qatar.
White, 26, left England's camp early and didn't return to international football after his spat with Holland. The latter has also left the Three Lions with Southgate, leading the Arsenal man to reconsider his stance.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender received backlash for turning down a call-up before the European Championships. He was in fine form at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta, posting four goals and five assists in 51 games across competitions.
England was well stacked at right-back, with Kyle Walker named in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. Southgate also had Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier to rely on.
However, White offers versatility as he can also play center-back, which may have come in handy. The Arsenal full-back could soon return to the Three Lions camp under Southgate's successor.
"It's disgusting" - Harry Redknapp lambasted Arsenal's Ben White over England snub
Harry Redknapp went on a tirade in response to White turning down a call-up to his national team. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager said (via football.london):
"You don't want to play for England? You tell the Bobby Moores of this world who's got 100-odd caps. The (Peter) Shiltons, the (David) Beckhams, the (Wayne) 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."
White, who was 23 when he debuted in June 2021, has earned four caps for the Three Lions. His last appearance for his country was a 3-0 friendly win against the Ivory Coast on March 29, 2022. He didn't appear in the UEFA Nations League or the World Cup later that year.
England are yet to decide on Southgate's replacement or even hold talks with a potential successor. Names such as former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe have been touted.