According to The Guardian, Arsenal defender Ben White is not expected to be included to England’s squad, which will be announced today by interim manager Lee Carsley. This decision continues White’s absence from the national team, which has been ongoing since the 2022 World Cup.
Ben White’s international career has been on hold since he left the England camp during the 2022 World Cup for personal reasons. Despite his impressive performances at the club level with Arsenal, he has not been reintegrated into the national team squad. This has not changed since Gareth Southgate was replaced as manager by Lee Carsley.
Lee Carsley, who took over as interim manager following Southgate’s departure, is set to announce his first squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. Carsley, known for his successful stint with the England U21 team, is expected to bring in some fresh faces and rely on players he is familiar with from his previous role.
Several factors contribute to White’s continued exclusion from the squad. Reports suggest that his early departure from the World Cup camp was due to a disagreement with then-assistant manager Steve Holland. Additionally, White’s comfort level under the intense scrutiny of international football has been questioned.
Carsley has not spoken directly with White, and it appears he is focusing on players who have been more consistently involved with the national team or those he has worked with at the U21 level. This includes potential call-ups for players like Tino Livramento and Rico Lewis.
While Ben White’s exclusion is disappointing for his fans, it does not necessarily spell the end of his international career. His performances at Arsenal continue to be strong, and a future England manager might see fit to bring him back into the fold. For now, White will remain focused on his club duties, hoping to catch the eye of the national selectors in the future.
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