Gareth Southgate insists Ben White must stand by England decision

England manager Gareth Southgate says that Ben White must stand by his decision to avoid an international call-up.

The Arsenal defender was missed off the England squad announcement yesterday, leaving many to question Southgate's intentions.

However during his press conference, the England boss admitted that the 26-year-old chose not to feature in the team, making himself unavailable for selection.

The announcement came on the same day as White signed a new Arsenal contract, which will see the player remain with the Gunners until 2028.

Southgate said he tried to pick White on form, despite sensing a «reticence» from the player who hasn't represented his country since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup early.

Asked whether he felt White had an issue with international football, Southgate explained: “You'd have to speak to him or Arsenal to get an understanding of that.

«There have been players over the years in my time who didn’t want to be available. I've had that since we've been here. It’s not the only time [a player has turned down a call-up].

»For me, England was the pinnacle. Did I enjoy every moment with England? No. Were there moments where you thought, 'here we go, into the lions' den' if you like? Yes. But I always wanted to challenge myself and test myself. And the things I regret in my life are the things that I've not had a go at, not the things that I've failed at. For me, it was always the ultimate.

«But, I wasn't at a club going for the league title, or in the last couple of rounds of the Champions League. I can't speculate what's behind it.»

Southgate defended his decision to go public with White's stance, insisting the Arsenal star must own the decisions he makes.

«As I've said, in these situations I've tried