If Ben White still harbours ambitions of playing for England again, he might be hoping that Lee Carsley doesn’t become Gareth Southgate’s permanent England successor.
White, who has four caps to his name, told Southgate back in March that he didn’t want to be considered for selection, which resulted in him missing out on Euro 2024. The decision followed his departure from the Three Lions squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due
Carsley offered some hope to White though, adding: “Any player that’s playing well in the Premier League, that’s playing week in, week out, especially at the level that Arsenal play at, is obviously going to be under consideration. But he wasn’t one based on what his wishes from the past [were].”
However, representing his country appears to mean a great deal to White, who shed tears of joy after receiving a last-minute call-up to the delayed Euro 2020 following an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Recalling the moment his selection was confirmed, White told Sky Sports: “I got a phone call, got told the news. I was out for dinner, I didn’t really believe it!
“Yeah, I just sat and cried for about an hour. I couldn’t really believe it and I don’t think it’s settled in yet. I didn’t really think that I would be called.Roy Keane accused of Jack Grealish criticism after dramatic Ireland U-turnMorgan Gibbs-White reveals what he will bring to Lee Carsley’s new England eraHarry Kane makes ruthlessly honest Euro 2024 admission and sets Cristiano Ronaldo target”I thought it was a bit too late because I’ve heard you get called way before it. But I obviously didn’t and when that call did come I was over the moon with it and shocked.”
White, who featured in friendlies leading up to the tournament, never got the chance to step onto the pitch during England’s Euro 2020 journey, which ended in final defeat to Italy on penalties. The last time he represented his country was back in March 2022 against the Ivory Coast.
