Ben White: Arsenal Star Criticised for Wife’s Social Media Post After England Lost to Brazil

• Ben White was left out of the England national team squad for the March break
• Head coach Gareth Southgate confirmed it was the player’s choice to decline
• He went on vacation with his wife and has come under criticism for his actions

Ben White is getting heat from the English media after his wife shared a photo of the two on vacation following his decision to reject the England national team call-up.

White has not been included in the Three Lions squad since he left the team’s World Cup camp to return home for “family reasons”, the details of which were not disclosed.

He would have deservedly been invited for the March international break, but he sent a message to Gareth Southgate via Arsenal's sporting director that he is unavailable for selection.

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There were rumours he left Qatar because he had a bust-up with assistant manager Steve Holland, a report Southgate debunked via The Independent.

English pundit blasts White

The former Brighton star jetted out to Dubai with his wife, Milly, to take advantage of not being engaged during the break, with club football set to return at the end of the week.

As spotted by AFC Stuff, Milly shared a photo of the couple enjoying at a beach while playing UNO, and it has generated discussions among fans and pundits.

Per SportBible, Jeff Stelling was not impressed by his gesture, particularly after England lost 1-0 to Brazil at Wembley Stadium through Endrick’s goal.

“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,” he said.

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"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.”

White married Molly at the end of last season after Arsenal's title chase collapsed with three games to spare, and Manchester City won their third consecutive title.

The national team's door remains open to him, but it is unlikely he will return if Southgate is still the manager.

Players who rejected national call-ups

Sports Brief analysed five players who rejected national team call-ups after White declined England's invitation to be part of the squad for the games against Brazil and Belgium.

He was not the first English player to do so. Jude Bellingham, in 2022, turned down an invitation for friendly games, but there was no fuss around it in the media.