LION DOWN
Lee Carsley ‘not speaking’ to Ben White as England manager reveals Arsenal star ‘asked not to be CONTACTED’
The Arsenal ace has been in stunning form this season
ENGLAND interim boss Lee Carsley is not planning to hold talks with Ben White about an international call-up as the Arsenal ace has asked to "not be contacted".
White, 26, has not featured for the Three Lions since the 2022 World Cup as he left camp during the tournament due to personal reasons.
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The defender has been in stunning form with the Gunners this season and started all three of their Premier League matches.
However, Carsley, 50, is not set to talk to the versatile full-back about a possible England return for the next round of Nations League fixtures next month against Greece and Finland.
However, the caretaker manager suggested the situation could change if White comes around.
Carsley said: "I've not planned to [speak to White], no. We spoke about this in the squad selection. Every player that is eligible to play for England is in with a chance.
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"As far as I'm aware he asked to not be contacted. If that changes, that will change.
"I think it is important that we have real competition all over the pitch, and the more players we have available to pick from the better it is."
Reports at the time claimed White left Qatar following an alleged bust-up with former England assistant coach Steve Holland.
However, ex-manager Gareth Southgate insisted there was no rift between the two.
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Southgate said in March: "On form, I can't say he doesn't deserve to be here. John McDermott had a call from [Arsenal sporting director] Edu last week saying Ben didn't want to be considered for England at this time.
"That's a shame. He's a player I really like. I spoke to him post Qatar and there was clearly reticence from his side. I don't know fully why that is.
Gareth Southgate gives his reasons for not picking Ben White for the Euro England squad
"But I want to leave the door open because he's a good player. There is no issue between us at all.
"I should say there is no issue with Steve Holland, that has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that.
"I have to accept things get said about me, and you have to stomach that, but I'm not prepared to have that for a key member of my coaching team because that is not the reason."
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