Gareth Southgate admits he can’t protect Ben White from fan backlash after player rejected England call-up [Video]

ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate urged fans to lay off Ben White  after he asked to not be picked for his country again.

Southgate, who named a 25-man squad to face Brazil and Belgium, revealed the Arsenal star does not want a call-up despite his red-hot form.

Four-cap White, 26, who signed a new four-year Gunners deal on Thursday, went home for personal reasons during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Yet Southgate says the door is still open for him, adding: “I don’t want a backlash. I understand we are in a situation where that could happen.

“But he’s signed a new contract so there’s no question he’s got the love of the Arsenal fans.

“The shame is I’d have liked to have picked him.

“In these situations, I’ve tried to protect players. Yet that’s …