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Gareth Southgate has publicly addressed Ben White's absence from the latest England squad, insisting he hopes to avoid any backlash against the Arsenal defender.
Ben White recently informed England manager Gareth Southgate through Arsenal that he is declining their call-up to the national team.
His rejection has caused a lot of uproar on social media and among English fans which has made Southgate address the situation.
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12:18 - 15.03.2024
Arsenal star Ben White declines England’s call-up after World Cup burst up
Ben White has decided against joining the England squad for the upcoming friendlies, as revealed by Gareth Southgate on Thursday.
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20:35 - 14.03.2024
FOOTBALL Why Arsenal secured Ben White's future with new long-term contract
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Southgate on Ben White issue
Addressing the media, Southgate expressed his stance, acknowledging the necessity of explaining White's exclusion due to his stellar form for Arsenal this season.
He stated, as reported by the Mirror, "I want to keep the door open and I don’t want there to be a backlash."
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Southgate highlighted the credibility issue, emphasizing the need to stand by the decision, especially considering White's decision not to be part of the squad prior to the Euros.
Southgate further reassured that there's no discord between White and his assistant, Steve Holland, despite White's premature exit from the 2022 World Cup. However, the situation seems bleak for White's England future as long as Southgate is at the helm.
Optimism Amidst Disappointment
Expressing disappointment, Southgate acknowledged White's talent, expressing a desire to have him on the squad. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic, hoping White might reconsider in the future.
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Turning to other matters, Southgate provided updates on Luke Shaw's fitness for the Euros, describing it as "touch and go" due to a hamstring injury.
He also candidly addressed Kalvin Phillips' exclusion, citing recent performance concerns despite the midfielder's loan move to West Ham.
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