Arsenal star Ben White has told Lee Carsley that he does not want to be contacted by the England manager, as his exile from the national team continues.
Carsley’s reign as interim manager has gotten off to great start with 2-0 wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the standout players under Gareth Southgate’s successor, with the right-back playing a pivotal role in both of Harry Kane’s goals on Tuesday night against Finland.
But it is another right-back not in the Three Lions squad who is still making headlines thanks to White’s conspicuous absence.
The Arsenal defender hasn’t played for his country since leaving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar early for personal reasons, believed to be a falling out with Southgate’s assistant manager Steve Holland.
Ahead of Euro 2024, Southgate said the door was open for the 26-year-old to return but he had made himself unavailable for selection.
After naming his first England squad last month, Carsley said nothing had changed on the matter.
But when asked again after the Finland win if White could be recalled, the interim boss suggested that the defender had himself closed the door on his country for good.
‘I’ve not planned to talk to Ben White,’ Carsley said.
‘As far as I am aware he has asked not to be contacted. If that changes than that will change.
‘We spoke about this in the squad selection, every player that is eligible for England is in with a chance.
‘It’s important that we’ve got real competition all over the pitch and the more players we’ve got available to pick from the better. We’re not talking, it’s his decision.’
Even in White’s absence Carsley still has plenty of good right-backs to call upon including Alexander-Arnold, Rico Lewis and Tino Livramento, as well as Kyle Walker and Reece James who are not in the current squad.
White ill next be in action for his club on Sunday when Arsenal travel to Tottenham for the North London Derby.
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