England interim manager Lee Carsley says Ben White is not currently in his plans for the October internationals, but the door remains open for the Arsenal defender to come back into the fold.
White has not played for the Three Lions in two years after leaving their 2022 World Cup squad mid-tournament and he later informed then-manager Gareth Southgate he did not want to be considered for selection. Reports have claimed this was due to a falling out with assistant coach Steve Holland.
This has limited White, one of the Premier League‘s best defenders, to just four caps at senior level since his debut in 2021.
Carsley has succeeded Southgate on an interim basis but did not call up White for England’s September fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League.
Following Tuesday’s 2-0 win at home to Finland, Carsley was asked whether he had any plans to speak to White prior to England’s games in October.
“I’ve not planned to, no,” he replied. “We spoke about this in the squad selection. Every player that is eligible to play for England is in with a chance. 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.”
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold started at right-back for both of England’s victories this month, having been previously utilised as a midfielder under Southgate at Euro 2024.
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