England boss Gareth Southgate says the door is still open for Ben White despite the Arsenal star rejecting a call-up to his squad.
White has opted against being selected but Southgate insists he will consider him in the future if he makes himself available again.
Southgate has often been criticised by Arsenal supporters for not picking their No 4 since he left the World Cup early in December 2022.
White left the tournament in Qatar for personal reasons, with reports claiming he had fallen out with a member of the England staff.
England boss Gareth Southgate says Ben White doesn't want to be considered for selection
Getty
But Southgate has now revealed that the 26-year-old does not currently want to be picked at international level.
White has made four caps for England since making his debut in 2021 and was part of the Euro 2020 squad that lost in the final.
Southgate named his squad on Thursday for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium and White was again absent.
For the first time, the England manager revealed the real reason behind his absence but insisted he wouldn't shut the door on him.
Southgate said: "Look, it's absolutely the question you should ask because clearly on form, I can't sit here and say he doesn't deserve to be in.
"We had a call from Edu last week to say that Ben didn't want to be considered for England squads at this time. For me, that's a great shame.
"He's a player we took to the Euros with Brighton, a player we took to the World Cup.
"I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him and there was clearly reticence on his side. I don't know fully why that is and I have to respect that.
"I want to leave the door open for him because he's a good player and I think he's a player who can make a difference to England. But he's not available to us."
Some reports in Qatar claimed that White had a bust-up with England assistant coach Steve Holland.
But Southgate made it clear that was not the case, adding: "The only thing is there is no issue between us at all.
"And also I should say there's never any issue with Steve Holland. That has been mentioned in articles, I don't like that.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Christian Horner accuser 'so disappointed' and 'feels let down' by Red Bull as F1 saga takes fresh twist
- Spice Girls 'really sad' for Geri Halliwell as Red Bull make final decision on sacking Christian Horner
- Ian Wright warned 'that's the last time' he will be on Sky Sports after making Man City comment
Ben White hasn't been in an England squad since leaving the World Cup in Qatar
Getty
"People can talk about me and I have to accept that things get said that are false about me.
"For whatever reason in this role you have to stomach that but I'm not prepared for that to happen for a key member of my coaching team because that is not the reason Ben is unavailable for selection.
"100 per cent I want that door wide open. He would be in this squad but is not available to us so I have to focus on those that can help us."
White has had a superb season with Arsenal so far and signed a new contract on Thursday morning.
Ben White signed a new contract with Arsenal on Thursday
Getty
The new deal will keep him at the Emirates until the summer of 2028, with the option of a further year.
On the deal, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "It’s great news that Ben is committing his future to the club.
"Ben is a key player for us, a top professional with a winning mentality, and one of the guys who leads by example every day.
"Ben’s ability, determination and positive attitude are so important, but he is also a great character and human being. We all look forward to continue working with Ben in the coming years."
