Lee Carsley speaks out on Ben White's absence from latest England squad as international exile continues

Lee Carsley has spoken out on Ben White's England exile after he was left out of the latest squad.

On Thursday Carsley announced his first squad as England interim manager ahead of Nations League clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month.

Carsley, who represented the Republic of Ireland during his playing career, was promoted from his position as England under-21s boss after Gareth Southgate resigned following Euro 2024.

The 50-year-old is among the favourites to be appointed manager on a permanent basis, with the Football Association continuing its search for Southgate's replacement.

Carsley announced his first squad on Thursday and there were some surprise inclusions and exclusions.

Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier announced his retirement from international football hours before the squad announcement, while other senior stars including Kyle Walker, Marcus Rashford and James Maddison were left out as well.

Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire have earned recalls after missing out on the Euros squad, but Jude Bellingham misses out through injury.

Former Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes has been handed a surprise first call-up, with Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento hoping to earn their first caps too.

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One players who fans thought might be called up is Arsenal defender Ben White, but once again he has not been picked.

The 26-year-old has not featured in an England squad leaving the camp at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a disagreement with Southgate's former assistant Steve Holland.

White made himself unavailable for selection ahead of Euro 2024, and it appears that his stance has not changed.

When asked about White during a media conference on Thursday, Carsley said: "Nothing has changed in my two weeks of being here. As far as I'm aware there's been no change."

Carsley revealed that he considers Trent Alexander-Arnold a defender rather than a midfielder, so it looks likely that the Liverpool star will start at right-back.