Jamie Carragher suggests real reason why Arsenal ace Ben White snubbed England
Jamie Carragher believes the true reason Ben White ruled himself out of England selection was down to his status in Gareth Southgate’s pecking order, rather than his fallout with assistant Steve Holland. Southgate revealed prior to England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium that the Arsenal defender had rejected a call-up. This comes after he left the 2022 World Cup mid-tournament having been benched for the first two group games against Iran and the USA.
Reports in recent weeks say this was at least in part fuelled by an argument with Holland, who reputedly referenced an interview in which he said he did not like watching football. Former England defender Gary Neville believes White would get minutes under current circumstances, although former international teammate Carragher thinks otherwise.
Speaking on The Overlap, Neville began: “The news broke that he doesn't want to play for England and doesn’t want to be considered. Gareth seemed to say that in his press conference, but it then broke about the argument with Steve Holland and what happened there. It’s an interesting one.”
Carragher responded: “I don't think the argument, when I read about it, was the end of the world for both sides. I think the fact that he always felt he was fourth or fifth choice.
“I think he’s done a great job for Arsenal, but he’s not better than Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Reece James, Kyle Walker, or [Kieran] Trippier. He’s not.
“I was in that position and you do feel like there’s other people better than you and you’re not going to get that opportunity. I don’t think it should be made into a huge story because he’s not going to play anyway.”
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