Ben White’s exclusion from the England squad appears likely, as the Arsenal defender is not expected to be included in the first team named by England interim coach Lee Carsley. Carsley, who took on the role after Gareth Southgate’s resignation, will announce his squad on Thursday for the Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.
White has not been part of the England squad since he left the camp during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a reported disagreement with former assistant coach Steve Holland. Many had hoped that the change in management might open the door for his return, but it appears that White will remain on the sidelines. Despite his impressive form at Arsenal, where he has been a regular starter in their Premier League campaign, White’s decision to remain unavailable for international selection seems unchanged since Euro 2024, even after Southgate’s departure.
The former Brighton player, who has been capped four times for England, appears set to continue his absence under the new England interim coach Lee Carsley. Carsley, who has stepped up from his role as the England Under-21 boss, took over after Southgate’s exit two days following England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Carsley’s immediate task will be to prepare for the Nations League fixtures, starting with a trip to Dublin on 7 September to face the Republic of Ireland, followed by a home match against Finland on 10 September.
While Carsley’s appointment has generated discussion about potential changes to the squad, the exclusion of Ben White indicates that some issues remain unresolved. White’s continued absence could impact England’s defensive plans as they gear up for these crucial matches.
As England prepares for these crucial Nations League matches, all eyes will be on the squad announcement by interim manager Lee Carsley to see which players will step up in the absence of key figures like Ben White.
