FOOTBALL

Ben White could make England return after World Cup walkout

Injuries and Manchester City’s prolonged season mean Lewis Dunk is also being considered for a call-up
Southgate said in March that the door was open for White to return to England
Southgate said in March that the door was open for White to return to England
EDDIE KEOGH/THE FA VIA GETTY IMAGES

Gareth Southgate has reached out to Ben White regarding his future England aspirations and is considering a call-up for Lewis Dunk for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

White, the Arsenal defender, left England’s World Cup camp in Qatar during the tournament. It was reported that a row with the assistant manager, Steve Holland, and homesickness were reasons behind his withdrawal.

Ben White left England camp ‘after falling out with assistant coach Steve Holland’

The 25-year-old, who has four senior caps, has continued to perform at a high level for Arsenal, operating largely at right back rather than his favoured centre-half role for Mikel Arteta’s side in their ultimately forlorn pursuit of the Premier League title.

White was left out