Ray Parlour defends Ben White after Arsenal star snubs England call-up | Football [Video]

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged England fans to ‘respect’ Ben White’s decision after the defender made himself unavailable for international selection in the build-up to this summer’s European Championships.

Gareth Southgate named uncapped trio Jarrad Branthwaite, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa in his 25-man squad for England’s Euro 2024 warm-up matches against Brazil and Belgium last week.

However, White’s omission proved the headline news, with Southgate revealing at his press conference that the 26-year-old had requested not to be considered for selection through Arsenal’s sporting director Edu.

White has not featured for the Three Lions since leaving the Qatar World Cup early in 2022, citing ‘personal reasons’, amid reports of a training ground altercation with Southgate’s trusted assistant Steve Holland.

Southgate has since admitted he fears White will face a ‘backlash’ for turn down the call to represent his country, with former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp subsequently blasting the versatile defender’s ‘disgusting’ decision.

But …