Journalist Charles Watts believes that Gareth Southgate has been dishonest about Arsenal star Ben White’s decision to snub England.
Arsenal defender Ben White has taken the decision not to play for England.
The right-back has previously been capped on four occasions by the Three Lions. He was part of the squad that travelled to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, but did not play a minute in that tournament, and left the camp early for personal reasons. However, there were rumours of a falling out with coach Steve Holland.
Gareth Southgate has not named White in any of his England squads since then. A few days ago, the national team manager revealed that White had asked not to be considered for selection for the upcoming international fixtures. Southgate claimed that “I don’t know why that is…There is no issue between us, or with Steve Holland.”
Mikel Arteta will support White in his decision, as will everyone else at Arsenal. The 26-year-old is a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium and has been in sensational form recently. Arsenal announced that White has been handed a new long-term contract on the same day as Southgate’s statement. This was unlikely to have been a matter of coincidence, and should instead be interpreted as a show of support.
Did Gareth Southgate lie about the Ben White situation at England?
Charles Watts also does not buy that Southgate does not know the reason behind White’s decision to take himself out of international contention. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube platform, the reporter said, “Gareth Southgate hasn’t said anything about it. He hasn’t said what the reason is. Gareth Southgate says he doesn’t know what the reason is, which is frankly, in my view, not true, because he does know what the reason is. I thought it was really bad of Gareth Southgate to sit there and say ‘it’s not because of Steve Holland, but I don’t know what it is.’ Well, you do know what it is. There’s definitely a reason why Ben White doesn’t feel comfortable playing for Gareth Southgate and England.”
It is certainly likely that Southgate knows more about the player’s reasoning than he has let on. If it is due to White having an issue with him or Holland, then it could be an act of self-preservation on Southgate’s part not to tell all. Alternatively, the 53-year-old may feel it is not his place to discuss White’s reasons for his decision, and believes that that is up to the player himself to divulge.
In any case, this may not mean the end of White on the international stage for good. Southgate will not be in charge of England forever, and when he does depart his post, his coaching staff are likely to go with him. This could open the door for White to come back.
In the meantime, though, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that White is unlikely to change his mind.
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