Harry Maguire is unsure about the details behind Ben White’s decision to refuse England but says the ‘excellent’ Arsenal defender ‘trained really well’ before leaving the Qatar World Cup.
White was noticeably absent from England’s 25-man squad for matches against Brazil and Belgium this month, with Gareth Southgate revealing that White had opted not to be considered for selection through Arsenal’s sporting director Edu.
The versatile Arsenal star has not played for his country since leaving the Three Lions’ training camp early at the 2022 World Cup, when reports of a disagreement with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland made headlines.
White has faced strong criticism from some areas, with former Tottenham and QPR manager Harry Redknapp calling his decision ‘disgusting’ and urging Southgate to ‘close the door’ on a possible return in the future.
It seems unlikely that White will return for this summer’s European Championships and England defender Maguire – one of Southgate’s most trusted squad members – is uncertain of the reasons behind his fellow countryman’s thinking.
‘Ben’s an excellent footballer,’ the Manchester United centre-back told The Times when asked about White’s decision ahead of England’s friendly with Brazil.
‘He trained really well [at the World Cup before heading home early] but I honestly don’t know the details of why he’s not wanting to be in the squad at the moment.
‘All I do know is that playing for your country is the greatest honor a footballer can get.
‘When I was a young boy I dreamt of playing for my country.
‘Every opportunity I get I will take. Playing for my country means absolutely everything to me.’
Conor Coady echoed Maguire’s comments when asked about White, insisting the Arsenal man came off as a ‘great character’ when they joined up with England two years ago.
‘When I was in the England squad and he was, he was a great character to have around the place,’ the Leicester defender told BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘He is a great lad, first and foremost. How he trains, how he goes on about his business, he is top top drawer.’
Asked if he had been left saddened by the situation, Coady replied: ‘Yeah, because I think he is a phenomenal player.
‘What he is doing at this moment in time with Bukayo Saka down the right-hand side for Arsenal is, I think, incredible.
‘He deserves to play for his country.’
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour, meanwhile, has called for England fans to ‘respect’ White’s decision.
‘What he’s done at Arsenal has been brilliant. Great, great signing,’ Parlour told talkSPORT.
I think the World Cup really shocked him a little bit because there was an opportunity where he probably could have been substituted and come on and I think Gareth went with Eric Dier, who was not regularly playing at Spurs at that time.
‘That really impacted him because he was playing extremely well. He could not have been playing better at that time.
I’m sure Ben will admit himself that he’s not the biggest fan of football. Not everyone is. But what he’s achieved at Arsenal is excellent.
Parlour added: ‘I was in many squads where I didn’t play and was just there in case I got my chance.
‘He has three or four right-backs ahead of him, doesn’t he? [Kieran] Tripper, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James if he’s fit… so it’s challenging. I know he can also play in a three-man defense as a center-back.
‘But that’s his choice. Not everyone agrees with people’s choices and you have to respect him for that.’
.
.
