Arsenal fans were left disappointed after it was announced that star defender Ben White has been left out of the England preliminary squad for the upcoming Euros this summer.
Despite his impressive performances for Arsenal last season, manager Gareth Southgate decided not to include him in the 33-man squad for the warm-up matches leading to the tournament.
Southgate revealed that White was not available for selection, saying, “I didn’t speak to Ben White. As far as I am aware, he isn’t available to us.”
The England boss expressed his disappointment at White’s unavailability, mentioning that he had tried to involve him in previous squads but faced resistance.
One of White’s Arsenal teammates, Declan Rice, expressed his desire to have a chat with White to try and persuade him to reconsider his decision. Rice highlighted that he, along with other Arsenal players like Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale, would love to have White in the squad.
Former Arsenal player Nigel Winterburn expressed surprise at White’s exclusion, particularly given his previous involvement with the England squad.
Winterburn speculated that Southgate may have left out White to explore other options, but emphasized that White’s talent and potential merit a place in the squad.
Despite the disappointment among fans and teammates, White’s absence from the squad remains a decision made by the England manager.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming warm-up matches as Southgate evaluates his options for the Euros tournament.
