Gareth Southgate insists ball is in Ben White’s court as Arsenal ace faces England decision for Euro 2024 [Video]

White has not been involved in the England squad since flying home early from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to what were described as “personal reasons”.

Southgate had hoped to recall the 26-year-old for this month’s international break on account of his fine club form, but revealed that Arsenal sporting director Edu had telephoned the FA to inform them that White did not want to be considered for selection. 

The Three Lions were without a number of senior defenders for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium and looked vulnerable defensively. Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw, Marc Guehi and Trent Alexander-Arnold were already sidelined coming into the games while Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker picked up fresh injuries during the camp. 

Of those players, only Shaw appears to be in a genuine race to be fit in time for the tournament, but with the business end of the club season still to come, Southgate is well aware of the potential for further issues …