Arsenal star Ben White had an angry exchange with England’s assistant manager Steve Holland at 2022 World Cup

England manager Gareth Southgate revealed yesterday that Arsenal defender Ben White had asked not to be considered for the latest squad call-up for the international games in March.

While the decision left the Three Lions boss baffled, he quickly attempted to clear the air after several suggestions that a rift between the Gunners star and England’s assistant manager Steve Holland was why the 26-year-old has not been called up since returning home early from the 2022 World Cup for ‘personal reasons’.

“There’s no issue between us and there was never any issue with Steve Holland,” Southgate said.

“That has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that. People can talk about me and I have to accept that things get said that are false, about me. For whatever reason in this role, you have to stomach that. But I’m not prepared for that to happen to a key member of my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not available for selection.”

According to The Athletic, White had a row with Southgate’s right-hand man during the competition.

The Three Lions’ coaching staff regularly passed on detailed notes to the players about their data from training and matches, as well as tactical information about the opposition during the World Cup.

Holland was not convinced that the Arsenal star was taking the details seriously enough during one of their meetings, which led to an angry exchange in front of the other players.

The row created plenty of discussion within England’s camp but the two were also involved in an earlier discussion White may not have taken in his stride.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion star admitted in an old interview that, if he is not playing, he has no real interest in football, and Holland put this line to him in Qatar.

White was not a guaranteed starter at the World Cup and is not assured of a place in the starting XI at the European Championships despite his current form.

The Arsenal star is unlikely to start at centre-back, right-back or in defensive midfield for England despite being able to play those three roles excellently well, and it appears that has informed his decision not to bother featuring for his country.

It is such a shame that such a talented player has all but ended his international career, but the Gunners will be the major beneficiary as they have one less player to worry about as far as injuries sustained on international duties go.