Why did Arsenal's defender repeatedly reject national team invitations?

Jafar224

For any professional player, representing the country in battle should be a matter of great honor. However, Arsenal's right-back Ben White is an exception to this category. Since announcing his withdrawal from the national team midway through the 2022 World Cup campaign, he has never been selected for the England national team again. It is reported that the England coach has been inviting him to return, but he has consistently refused. What exactly happened here?

Ben White has been a key player for Arsenal in the right-back position for several years, trusted by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. However, he didn't hold the same status in the England national team. With formidable right-backs like Reece James, Kieran Trippier, and Kyle Walker, White was at most the fourth choice for the position, which led to his departure from the national team.

According to The Telegraph, the catalyst for this situation dates back to the 2022 World Cup when White had a conflict with England assistant coach Steve Holland. Reportedly, Holland accused White of not being committed enough to football and not taking his role as the fourth substitute seriously in front of other players. Feeling insulted, White applied to leave the England team early and has not played under Gareth Southgate since. Even when Southgate attempted to recall him to the national team, White requested his club to decline the invitation on his behalf.

While Southgate hasn't publicly denied the incident, many aspects confirm the conflict between White and Holland. Moreover, White himself doesn't harbor real animosity towards the national team. He previously expressed online that being selected for the national team was a childhood dream. If the allegations are true, it reflects poorly on Holland's professional ethics, showing little consideration for the players' feelings. As for whether White will be selected for the national team again, Southgate stated that England's door is always open to him, and everything can be considered water under the bridge if he chooses to return.

Niti998

It's that kind of "either you or me" situation, where as long as you're not there, I'll consider joining.

Yamini003

I think they're just after the money, there's no such thing as patriotism or loyalty to the country.

Ritu13

Playing for one's national team and winning the World Cup or European Championship is every professional player's dream. No one would refuse an invitation to represent their country, and it's clear that Ben White also cares about the national team. Although he may be the fourth choice due to personal abilities, as a professional player, he can serve as a substitute and contribute when needed. However, publicly criticizing a professional player in front of their teammates is undoubtedly hurtful, especially for someone in the position of the fourth choice, which already feels unfair. Under such circumstances, it's understandable for him to choose to leave the national team. Feeling undervalued and humiliated, why would he want to stay? If Ben White wants to return to the national team, he needs to overcome this hurdle. Otherwise, even if he is selected, he may not perform to his full potential. Of course, I hope Ben White can let go of this burden, especially since the European Championship is approaching. This major tournament only happens once every four years, and missing it could be a permanent regret. When he looks back on his career after retirement, it would undoubtedly be filled with regret if he misses such an opportunity.

Kahn332

I don't know why the spirit of sports nowadays isn't about representing the country anymore. Many NBA stars refuse to participate in national basketball games mainly out of fear of getting injured. While honor is important, earning money is also crucial. I understand because your club pays you a salary, and then you risk injury while representing your country—it's a bit of a loss.

Pooja193

Players can earn some money from their clubs, but they can't earn anything while playing for the national team. There's also the risk of getting injured, which players themselves want to avoid. Clubs also advise players not to exert too much effort, as they'll be the ones footing the bill if injuries occur. Moreover, with England's national team brimming with talent, being relegated to the fourth choice means you're just there to warm the bench. It's better to be a leader elsewhere than a follower here, so players might as well take a break or go on vacation. Resting well enables better performance, so why not let players enjoy themselves during their annual breaks?

Nimmi373

It's such a waste not to join the national team when you have the chance. It feels like an honor, maybe there's something unpleasant happening. All I can say is that it's fate.

Kalkin995

Currently, England's squad depth isn't lacking, so even if he went there, he might not necessarily get playing time. Moreover, there might be conflicts with the coaching staff, leading to a situation where he ends up being sidelined if he joins.