Journalist Charles Watts has now hit back at Harry Redknapp for his recent comments about Arsenal defender Ben White.
Harry Redknapp has taken issue with Arsenal star Ben White’s decision to withdraw himself from contention for England selection.
England boss Gareth Southgate recently revealed that White has requested not to be considered for international selection.
The Gunners’ right-back does have four England caps to his name, and was part of the Three Lions squad that travelled to the 2022 World Cup. However, the 26-year-old never made it onto the pitch in that tournament, and left Qatar early. Whilst Southgate has denied this, there are rumours that a fallout with coach Steve Holland was the catalyst for the player’s premature departure from the Gulf state.
Mikel Arteta will be supportive of his player’s decision. Arsenal recently offered White a new long-term contract, and he is a valued member of the playing squad, as well as a fan-favourite, at the Emirates Stadium.
However, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Redknapp was appalled by White’s decision to snub England. In a furious rant on talkSPORT, Redknapp branded White’s actions as being “disgusting” as he evoked the names of Bobby Moore, David Beckham, and Wayne Rooney, amongst others, as examples of players who did all they could to represent their country as often as possible.
Charles Watts comes to defence of Ben White after Harry Redknapp rant
Charles Watts has now responded to Redknapp’s comments. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said, “it’s such an archaic view. He has no idea what’s going on. Some of the comments, from people who should know better…are just really, really dangerous. Especially in the world that we live in now, when we are supposed to be taking mental health so seriously…I’m not saying Ben White’s decision is down to his mental health, I just don’t know. But that’s the thing, I don’t know.”
The full reasons behind White’s decision to step away from international duty are not yet known. However, it is worth noting that there has never been an example of such behaviour in his club career, across his time at Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as in his loan stints with Newport County, Peterborough United, and Leeds United. He has always been a player who will do whatever he can to help the team.
White has been hailed by his Arsenal teammates for his “warrior” spirit and commitment to the cause, which suggests that there is more to his decision to not play for England than meets the eye. In any case, he has his mind firmly made up. Fabrizio Romano has reported that there is no real chance of White changing his mind anytime soon.
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