Ben White shouldn’t be judged for turning down the chance to play for England, says ex-Arsenal man Lee Dixon.
White hasn't featured for the Three Lions since March 2022 after pulling out of the England camp during the World Cup in the same year for personal reasons. His self-imposed exile saw him left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024, with the former England boss revealing he didn't contact him over a potential recall.
It had been though that White could return to national duty following Southgate's resignation after the Euros. But interim manager Lee Carsley revealed earlier this month that White had asked not to be contacted, meaning that he will most likely not be on the end of a recall in the near future.
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Speaking before he took charge of his first two England matches, Carsley was asked about the Arsenal defender's situation, stating: "As far as I'm aware, he [White] wasn't available for selection. Nothing's changed in my two weeks of being here." Queried over whether he'll attempt to persuade the Arsenal ace to reconsider, Carsley added: "I’ve not planned to, no. As far as I’m aware, he has asked to be not contacted.”
Ex-Arsenal defender Dixon believes White should be left to his own devices. But, if he does have a change of heart, then the Gunners star would get straight back into the side. Dixon added that he doesn't judge White for such preferences, and that his priority has to be whether the defender and his family are happy.
"It’s not for me to say whether or not Ben White’s international career is over," Dixon told Gambling Zone. "The only person that knows that is Ben himself, but whatever he decides to do is absolutely fine by me.
"If he decided that he wanted to play for England, then I think Lee Carsley would pick him in his squad tomorrow because he’s a fantastic footballer. The previous manager would have done the same thing, but both have been told that he’s not available so what can they do?
"I certainly won’t judge Ben for any decision that he makes on his international future. I will completely respect his decision regardless. As long as he and his family are happy, that is all that matters."
White arrived at the Emirates in 2021 for £50million. Primarily a centre-half before he moved from Brighton, the defender, who had mainly played in a back-five prior, was incorporated at right-back by Mikel Arteta and hasn't looked back since.
He's helped the Gunners mount consecutive league title challenges and has the right full-back position locked down for this upcoming season. While there is a lot of competition for that role within the England squad, with Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold vying for a spot, White would undoubtedly stake a significant claim of his own if he chose to reassess his position on the Three Lions.
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