Arsenal ace Ben White's stance on playing for England again after Steve Holland exit

Arsenal’s Ben White is contemplating an unexpected international U-turn following the departure of England manager Gareth Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland.

White shocked the football world in March when he informed Three Lions boss Southgate that he did not wish to be selected for the Three Lions for the upcoming Euros.

The Arsenal defender chose to distance himself from the national team and expressed his desire not to be considered for selection.

Southgate conceded that he would reconsider White if the player changed his mind, but such a change never occurred and so he was not involved at Euro 2024 where England reached the final before losing to Spain in Berlin.

This decision followed a disagreement White had with England’s assistant manager Holland during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The defender had a falling out with Holland and left the England camp mid-tournament to return home. He has not represented his country since then and remains on four caps.

That is despite the former Brighton man being one of the most consistent and versatile defenders in the Premier League.

However, following Southgate’s resignation after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, White is considering making himself available once more.

White remains open to the possibility of an England comeback under the next manager, who is yet to be named.

This news will undoubtedly be a significant boost to whoever the FA chooses as Southgate’s successor.

White, aged 26, has earned four caps and made his last appearance for England in an international friendly against Ivory Coast in March 2022.