- Gareth Southgate has named his 25-man squad for March’s England friendlies.
- The England boss then revealed that Ben White had asked not to be considered.
- “He’s the only Premier League player I would pay to watch” Which star has IAN LADYMAN fascinated? – Podcast That’s All Kickoff
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Jermaine Jenas has backed Ben White during his England snub, insisting the Arsenal defender “must decide what is best for his career and no one else”.
England boss Gareth Southgate this week named his Three Lions squad ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, but revealed White had asked not to be considered.
This came after White left the England camp midway through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for ‘personal reasons’, with later reports saying he had a row with Southgate’s assistant manager, Steve Holland.
White – who has been in terrific form for Championship leaders Arsenal this season – has not been involved for England since and Southgate said he did not know why the player declined the call-up.
But former England international Jenas came to White’s defense, saying that while it was a “strange” situation, it was ultimately the Arsenal man’s only decision, stressing that he There could be several reasons for his decision.
Ben White has rejected the possibility of being selected for the national team, despite being in superb form for his club
Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has backed Ben White over his England snub.
White reportedly clashed with England assistant manager Steve Holland (left) at the 2022 World Cup.
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“It’s strange,” Jenas told Brazil’s Mail Sport ahead of the São Paulo E-Prix, which he will host for TNT’s coverage of the Formula E race.
“I think not everyone is patriotic and I think we have to accept that. I think Ben has his own reasons why he feels it is best for him not to be selected for England. As far as we know, his non-caption with England is having a very positive impact on his club career, and he wants to focus on that.
“Not everyone is the same in football. We like to categorize players like: ‘you have to fight for your country’. Maybe it’s a football reason. It could be like: ‘what’s the point? What’s the point if I’m not going to play?”
Jenas added that White’s absence opened the door for other young players like Jarrad Branthwaite, hailing him for “one of his best years as a footballer” at the Emirates.
“It creates an opportunity for someone else,” Jenas said. “Braithwaite came into the group. He had a good season at Everton in a difficult situation. He has the opportunity and I think that’s the way to look at it.
“I think Ben White is having one of his best years as a footballer. I understand why Gareth did what he did because he needed to justify why he didn’t pick him, because he It’s obvious he’s been brilliant lately.
“I hope there is no downturn for Ben because he has been brilliant for Arsenal and I think he has to decide what is best for his career, no one else.”
Another player defended by the former Tottenham star was Jordan Henderson following criticism over his inclusion in the squad.
White’s absence opened the door for the selection of Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Ajax midfielder, 33, left Liverpool last summer to join Saudi club Al-Ettifaq and many thought his days in England were numbered after moving to a less competitive division – before shorten his stay and join the Dutch team in January.
And despite Henderson’s strong past performances for the Three Lions, fans said on social media on Thursday that Southgate had kept faith in the veteran instead of picking in-form stars like Man United star Kobbie Mainoo or Ross Barkley .
Jenas highlighted Henderson’s leadership qualities and his influence on the locker room, even though he didn’t make the starting lineup.
