Conor Coady has come to Ben White’s defense, saying he is a 'great person', after the Arsenal player faced heavy criticism for not wanting to play for England.
People were surprised when Gareth Southgate announced his team for England’s Euro 2024 warm-up games against Brazil and Belgium last week, because White – who has been an outstanding defender in the Premier League this season – was not included in the 25-man group.
White has not played at the international level since leaving the Three Lions’ training camp early at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when reports of a heated argument with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland made the news.
At his press conference last Thursday, Southgate explained that White had asked not to be considered for England selection through Arsenal’s sporting director Edu.
When asked if White was available for selection, the England manager told reporters: ‘Look, it’s absolutely the question you should ask because clearly on form I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be in.
‘We, [FA technical director] John McDermott, had a call from Edu last week to say that Ben did not want to be considered for the England squad at this time.
‘For me that’s a great shame. He’s a player that I really like. He’s a player that we took to a Euros when he was at Brighton, a player that we took to the World Cup.
‘I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him and there was clearly reticence from his side. I don’t know fully why that is, but I have to respect that.’
Coady previously shared a dressing room with White during their time together with England and the Leicester City defender had nothing praise for the Arsenal player when asked about the situation.
‘When I was in the England squad and he was, he was a great person to have around the place,’ Coady told BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘He is a great guy, first and foremost. How he trains, how he goes about his business, he is top top drawer.’
When asked if he had been left saddened by the situation, Coady replied: ‘Yes, because I think he is an outstanding player.
‘What he is doing at this moment with Bukayo Saka for Arsenal is, I think, incredible.
‘He should get to play for his country.’
Harry Redknapp was not as understanding when it came to White’s England rejection, heavily criticizing the decision and telling Southgate to close the door on the possibility of the Arsenal player's return in a passionate speech.
‘Gareth said the door was still open, but I think it should be closed right in his face,’ the ex-Tottenham, West Ham and QPR manager told 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 who have over 100 caps. The [Peter] Shiltons, the [David] Beckhams, the [Wayne] Rooneys – those people, go and tell the Billy Bonds of this world who didn’t get a cap and should have, and all those great players that you don’t want to play for your country.
'I find it repulsive, I cannot accept it. If he doesn't want to participate, that's okay, but he shouldn't be selected for England anymore.
'He should take pride in representing his country and if he doesn't want to play, there are plenty of other people who would be extremely happy to play for England.
If someone else takes over from Gareth and changes the situation, then that's okay. But if I were Gareth, I would say: 'Thank you, we won't bother you again!'.’
.
.
