Harry Redknapp has described Ben White’s decision not to be considered for the national team as 'awful' and stated that the Arsenal right-back should not be thought of for a call-up in the future.
The 26-year-old was unexpectedly left out of England’s recent squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Southgate explained that the decision was not his to make after being informed that White did not wish to be considered for selection.
The defender has not played for his country since leaving the 2022 World Cup early, with the Three Lions manager at the time citing 'personal reasons' for White’s choice to leave.
Southgate denied any talk of a disagreement between White and himself or members of his coaching staff and stated that the door is still open for the Arsenal player to come back in the future.
Former Premier League manager Redknapp was more critical, suggesting that the full-back should never be considered for a Three Lions call-up again, even if he changes his mind.
‘Gareth said the door was still open, but I think it should be closed firmly,' the 77-year-old said on talkSPORT.
‘I’m sorry, you’ve had your opportunity and you don’t want to play for England? You tell the Bobby Moores of this world whose got 100-odd caps. The Shiltons, the Beckhams, the Rooneys – those people, go and tell the Billy Bonds of this world who didn’t get a cap and should have done, and all those great players that you don’t want to play for your country.
‘I think it’s awful, I can’t have it. If he doesn’t want to play, that’s fine, but he shouldn’t be considered anymore for England.
‘He should be proud to play for his country and if you don’t want to play there will be plenty of other people who would give their right arm to play for England.
‘If someone else comes in after Gareth [Southgate] and changes it, then fine but if I’m Gareth I’d be saying “thanks very much we won’t be bothering you again”.’
White was part of Southgate’s last two squads for major tournaments, although he hardly featured at either Euro 2020 or the World Cup in Qatar.
In his place, Southgate has called up Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa, while Joe Gomez also returns to the national team set-up for the first time since 2020.
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