Jeff Stelling criticises Ben White over wife Milly Adams' social media post after England's defeat to Brazil

Jeff Stelling has torn into Ben White for 'playing cards' and 'soaking up the sun on a beach in Dubai' after the defender turned down an England call-up.

White, who has performed admirably for title contenders Arsenal this season, was not included England's squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Gareth Southgate later revealed that a member of England's staff had received a phone call from Arsenal sporting director Edu, confirming that White was not available for selection.

“For me that is a great shame," Southgate said. "He is a player we took to the Euros, a player we took to the World Cup and I spoke to him post-Qatar because I wanted to pick him.

"He is not available to us and there is no issue between us at all and I also should say there is never any issue with (coach) Steve Holland because that has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that."

He added: "I want that door wide open. He would be in this squad but he’s not available to us and I have to focus on who can help us."

After the news dominated headlines, England would go on to suffer a 1-0 defeat in Saturday's friendly clash against Brazil after a late goal from 17-year-old Endrick.

White, meanwhile, decided to make the most of the Premier League break with a trip to Dubai.

In fact, the 26-year-old's wife Milly Adams appeared to post an image of the pair playing Uno while on holiday.

After the picture went viral on social media, former Sky presenter Jeff Stelling made his feelings known.

"He decided he didn’t want to play for England in the games against Brazil and Belgium," Stelling said on talkSPORT.

"He has been enjoying his time there by the looks of it, whilst his England teammates suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil, Ben was enjoying a game of UNO and soaking up the sun on a beach in Dubai.

"I have a bit of sympathy for people who play cards, but not Ben. What are you doing?

"What are you doing posting the fact that you are in Dubai playing cards? You decided not to play for England, that’s fine. Your prerogative, just let the boys get on with it."

Jamie O'Hara, another talkSPORT regular, described White as a "disgrace" following his England snub.

"Very few people get the opportunity to represent their country," he told Grosvenor Sport.

"For Ben White to turn that down because he doesn’t want to sit on the bench or because he doesn’t like watching football? I’m sorry, but I think you’re a bit of a disgrace to be honest.

"Do you know how many people will give their right arm to just sit on the bench for England and have the opportunity to represent their nation? Then you’ve got this guy who goes, ‘oh, I don’t really like football’ and ‘Gareth Southgate hasn’t really given me a chance’.

"Do me a favour – it’s your country for crying out loud."