Gareth Southgate felt he had to select Ben White while he was fit, despite previously admitting the Arsenal right-back felt “reticence” about joining the England squad.
The manager revealed on Thursday that White was “currently” unfit for England duty. Southgate did not speak to White directly; Instead, Arsenal sporting director Edu told Football Association manager John McDermott that the 26-year-old did not want to be considered for selection.
White’s new long-term contract with Arsenal was coincidentally announced on the same day – or perhaps it was timed to avoid England’s ire – that the player signed until 2028. In the midst of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Southgate said he could not speak to the player’s mentality other than to say “everyone has different connections”.
The England manager even revealed he had previously turned down a call-up for a player’s debut against Malta in October 2016.
“I can’t articulate it clearly,” Southgate said of White’s mindset towards international duty. You’d have to talk to him or Arsenal to understand that. In my time, there were players who did not want to be available for years. I’ve been experiencing this since we came here. This is not the only time [a player has turned down a call up].
“For me England was the top. Did I enjoy every moment of my time in England? No. Were there moments when you thought, ‘we’re going into the lions’ den’, if you will? Yes. But I always wanted to challenge myself and test myself. And the things I regret in my life are the things I didn’t try, not the things I failed at. It was always the best for me.
“But I wasn’t at a club that went to the league title or the last few rounds of the Champions League. “I can’t speculate on what’s behind it.”
When Southgate was informed that Manchester City’s Kyle Walker was still turning up at every camp, he said: “But everyone has different connections and look, we’ve got to respect that. There’s clearly a reason. But I don’t know the exact reason.”
Southgate revealed he had not tried to persuade White to return and that they had not spoken “since his decision”.
“I think this will be a conversation similar to the last one I had with him. [after Qatar]and I could sense a silence there that I felt I had to retreat from. I guess it’s for him now.”
Southgate admitted White could now face a backlash around England but said he needed to explain the situation or face questions about why such an in-form player was not called up.
“As I said, I have tried to protect the players in these situations. It is clear that this is not possible at this stage. Because of the timing of asking to be taken off the longlist and the reality is… I won’t have a lot of credibility if I don’t pick him fit! I don’t think it would be right not to state the situation we are in.”
“We told Arsenal that we would do this. And if you make such a decision, you have to stand behind it. But as I said, I want to keep the door open [for White]. I don’t want this to be a reaction. I understand that we are in a situation where this could happen. However, I believe he has announced today that he will sign a new contract, so there is no doubt that he has the affection of Arsenal fans.
“What’s a shame for me is that he’s a player I like. I can see that his talent is clearly there. I would love to pick him. But it’s not an open option for me. I respect it completely. The door is wide open for me. Look, because of the situation this month, he won’t be able to qualify for the Euros.” “We have to say that’s unlikely. But I hope he’ll think differently about it going forward.”
Southgate similarly said the door was “not closed” for Raheem Sterling, but admitted the winger was currently behind many other options in the position. The England manager noted the form of Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, as well as almost certain starters such as Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden.
“We have to say this at Chelsea right now; Cole starts every game and they leave. Anthony Gordon’s form continues to struggle with the goals scored by Bowen. We know what Bukayo and Phil have been doing for a long time.
“As I have said in the last few elections, this is the area where the competition is at its highest. We will never close the door because we know he can perform in our environment in really important games, but right now we see him behind these guys.
“I know we always try to balance loyalty and who can do the job for us, but I believe we also give the opportunity to get fit over time and we’re doing that again with Gordon. Bowen was already in the last two teams. [Jarrad] Branthwaite is a bit different because we have problems at the back and we can give him some time even if it’s not this summer. Raheem needs to play well for Chelsea.”