‘It was clear why’ – Mikel Arteta lifts lid on why ‘brave’ Arsenal star Ben White refused to play for England
MIKEL ARTETA saluted “brave” Ben White after he told Thomas Tuchel he wants an England return.
The Arsenal defender has not played for his country since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup early amid an alleged fallout with assistant Steve Holland.
But White, 27, told new England boss Tuchel he would “love” to end his exile — although was not fit enough to be in yesterday’s squad.
This is despite Three Lions legend Stuart Pearce warning: “If players let you down once, they will always let you down.”
But Gunners chief Arteta hit back: “What Ben did was very brave and not a lot of people would have done it.
“I was very involved in [White refusing to be called up].
“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear for me the reason why he made that decision.
“It wasn’t about [letting his country down]. It was about facing the situation and saying, ‘I can’t handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country the way I feel right now’.
“So it was completely the opposite. What a lot of people would do is hide in that environment.
“Whatever the outcome, what I want is for Ben to be happy.
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“Knowing Ben, he won’t be influenced by somebody else.
“And if they found that chemistry between Thomas and him, that’s great. If he wants to come and Thomas wants him, great.
“He has the level and the potential to achieve great things with the national team.”
Tuchel held talks with right-back White before leaving him out of his first England squad to face Albania on Friday and Latvia three days later.
White made a first start since November in Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven after a knee op.
Tuchel said: “He loves to be back in the squad. It’s a bit too early, given the injury he had.
“We’ve been monitoring his training. We are on it and are speaking to Ben. I’m delighted he’s back.
“It’s a question about getting more minutes and rhythm. He has every chance to be back. He’s glad to be back.”
Arsenal superkid Ethan Nwaneri earned a first England Under-21s call.
The forward, 17, will be involved for friendlies with France and Portugal.
Academy kid Nwaneri has enjoyed a stunning breakout season under Arteta — with eight goals in all competitions — and was even touted for a senior call-up.