The phone call that made Ben White cry as Lee Carsley gives update on England selection U-turn

Ben White’s England future remains up in the air after not being named in Lee Carsley’s first squad.

White left the England camp mid-tournament during the Qatar World Cup for ‘personal reasons’ and caused a storm back in March by deciding to make himself unavailable for selection.

As a result, the Arsenal defender missed EURO 2024 but Gareth Southgate’s resignation after defeat in the final to Spain seemingly re-opened the door for White to return to contention.

Interim boss Lee Carsley named a much-changed squad for England’s Nations League games against Ireland and Finland but White was once again not involved in the selection process.

Even after Southgate’s departure, Carsley was unaware of any change in White’s stance meaning his status remains unchanged officially.

Carsley said: “As far as I’m aware, he wasn’t available for selection and nothing has changed in my two weeks of being here.

“That is where I am at. I have seen in some of the press reports he was open to it but it has gone no further. As far as I’m aware, there has been no change there.

“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].”

Given White’s previous comments on representing England, it could be assumed he would jump at the chance to revive his relationship with the national team.

Ben White has played every minute for Arsenal this season (Getty)

The Arsenal man revealed he wept tears of joy after receiving a call up to the delayed EURO 2020 tournament.

“I got a phone call, got told the news. I was out for dinner, I didn't really believe it!” he told Sky Sports at the time.

"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.

"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 ultimately didn’t play a single minute at the tournament where England lost to Italy in the final on penalties.

His last England appearance was in March 22 against Ivory Coast. White remains an important player for Mikel Arteta and has played every minute of their Premier League season so far.