Ben White: Gareth Southgate says Arsenal defender asked to be left out by England and Euros place 'difficult'

Gareth Southgate has said in-form Arsenal defender Ben White asked not to be selected for England and, while the door is open, it would now be "difficult" for him to make the Euros squad.

The defender has been in outstanding form this season for the Premier League title-challengers and on Thursday it was announced he has signed a new long-term deal to stay at Arsenal.

However, the 26-year-old was once again absent when the England squad to face Brazil and Belgium was announced later that day. He hasn't represented his country since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup early.

Southgate revealed in a press conference after naming his squad that White had asked not to feature in the March friendlies. It is a stance which has frustrated the England boss, given the quality Southgate feels White could bring to the national team.

"On form, I can't sit here and say [White] doesn't deserve to be in," said Southgate. "[Technical director] John McDermott had a call from [Arsenal sporting director] Edu last week to say Ben didn't want to be considered for England squads at this time.

"That's a great shame, he's a player I really like, he's a player we took to the Euros when he was at Brighton, to the World Cup.

"I spoke to him post-Qatar, because I wanted to pick him. There was clearly reticence from his side, I don't know fully why that is.

"But I have to respect that, I want to leave the door open for him, because he's a good player and he can make a difference for England - but he's not available to us, so the only other thing I would say is there is no issue between us, at all.

"There's no issue with [England coach] Steve Holland, because that has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that. People can talk about me and I have to say