Lee Carsley: Ben White Must Initiate England Return After Opting Out of Selection

Lee Carsley, the current England U21 coach, has clarified that Arsenal defender Ben White must take the first step if he wants to rejoin the England national team. White, who was part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad and traveled with the team to the 2022 World Cup, made the decision earlier this year to exclude himself from international selection.

The 26-year-old defender asked not to be considered for England duty during Southgate’s tenure, and since then, no efforts have been made to bring him back into the fold. Carsley confirmed that White’s return to the national setup is entirely in the player’s hands. “If Ben White decides he wants to come back into the England setup, it’s up to him to reach out,” Carsley said in a recent interview.

White's absence from England’s recent squads has sparked widespread discussion, especially considering his strong performances for Arsenal in the Premier League. While the defender has yet to publicly elaborate on the reasons behind his decision to step back, reports suggest that personal reasons were at play during the 2022 World Cup when he left the squad early.

England Exile:

Despite White’s excellent form with Arsenal, particularly in their title-challenging 2022-2023 season, the ball is firmly in his court if he wants to return to international football. “There has been no contact from Ben, and the door is open for him, but he has to make the first move,” Carsley reiterated, leaving the decision entirely up to the player.

Southgate and the England coaching team respected White’s decision to step away, but the opportunity for a return remains. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, the England squad will be shaping up for another competitive tournament, and White’s potential inclusion could strengthen their defense.

Impact on England Squad:

Ben White's self-imposed absence has had an impact on the depth of England’s defensive options. With the Arsenal star out of the picture, other players such as John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi have had more opportunities to step up.

However, fans and pundits alike recognize the value White could bring to England, given his versatility and ability to play both center-back and right-back. His contributions to Arsenal’s defense, especially under manager Mikel Arteta, have been highly praised, and there remains hope that White will reconsider his position.

The ongoing absence of Ben White from England’s national team continues to raise questions. While the Arsenal defender has opted out of international duty, Lee Carsley’s comments confirm that the opportunity for White to return is available, should he wish to re-engage with the England setup. His decision will be crucial as England looks to build a strong squad for upcoming international tournaments.

White’s performances for Arsenal have established him as one of the Premier League’s top defenders, but for now, his future with the England national team remains uncertain. It’s now up to Ben White to make the next move if he intends to end his England exile.