Arsenal's post about Ben White after England draw against Denmark has got fans talking
A post about Ben White and how he "worked wonders" for Arsenal last season is going viral, just hours after England stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Denmark.
White's decision to turn down an England call-up has continued to be a huge talking point.
Back in March, Gareth Southgate said White asked to be left out of his 25-man squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The 26-year-old defender, who has not featured for his country since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was also left out of England's squad for this summer's European Championship.
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When asked if he had attempted to speak to White before announcing the squad, Southgate told a press conference: "No.
"As far as I'm aware, he's not available to us."
Given England's defensive injury issues – and his impressive form for Arsenal last season – White's non-inclusion was put under the microscope.
And on Friday afternoon, the discussion around White and England was rife again when Arsenal dedicated a lengthy thread to their defender.
"Consistency. Courage. Class," they wrote. "Ten times Ben White worked wonders this season | A thread."
As well as posting a clip of his first goal of the Premier League campaign – a header against Bournemouth – they included his strike against Sheffield United, which was Arsenal’s 10,000th goal.
A nutmeg on Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku also features in the thread; not to mention White's match-winning assist for Kai Havertz in their clash with Brentford.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the post.
One said: "The timing is sublime. Big W admin," while another commented: "Impeccable timing."
A third wrote: "Big up the admin, let em know. Southgate has the best performing English defender this season sitting at home."
A fourth added: "Well done admin. Ben White flex after a dismal performance from England."
Back in March, Arsenal teammate Declan Rice addressed White's decision to turn down an England call-up.
“I think the biggest thing is it’s Ben’s life, it’s Ben’s decision," Rice said.
“Obviously people are going to have opinions, people are going to write stuff about it but ultimately he’s content with his decision. We had a few days off before we came here so I’m sure Gareth and him spoke in that period. So I don’t know the ins and outs of it.
“But all I can say is that I would love him to be here. Playing against him and now playing with him, seeing how he is … he is very quiet, keeps himself to himself but when he’s on the pitch, he’d do anything for his team to win."
Rice continued: “I think he’s a really unique player because he can play three positions. In tournaments that’s so key. He can play centre-back, he can play right-back, he can play inverted full-back. So when I get back I can have a conversation with him and see the ins and outs and see what he thinks. I would love him to come. I think Bukayo [Saka] would. I think Aaron Ramsdale would.
“I think we’re all going to be on him when we get back to say …. hopefully, he can change his mind but I don’t know the ins and outs of that conversation. So there’s nothing much I can say on that.”
Jack Kenmare