'You're a disgrace -' Former Arsenal player slams Ben White for turning down England call up

Ben White against Chelsea's Sterling in the past | IMAGO

'You're a disgrace -' Former Arsenal player slams Ben White for turning down England call up

Allan Damba 14:36 - 21.03.2024

“Very few people get the opportunity to represent their country. 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."

Ex-Arsenal player Jamie O'Hara has lambasted defender Ben White for snubbing a call from England manager Gareth Southgate for the forthcoming international friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.

Southgate was set to summon White, who has been brilliant this season with Arsenal, but disclosed the latter had declined he offer.

Arsenal star Ben White declines England’s call-up
Arsenal star Ben White declined England’s call-up || Imago Arsenal star Ben White declines England’s call-up || Imago

Following his exit from England's 2022 World Cup camp, reports suggested White had told Southgate that he didn't want to be a bit-part player.

And, O'Hara has come out to lash at the Gunner in his interview with Grosvenor Sports on The Counter Attack episode.

“Very few people get the opportunity to represent their country. 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."

“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!"

“There are obviously other things that have gone on behind the scenes, probably something between him and Southgate. However, even if I’d fallen out with the manager, I’d still go because it’s my country. Representing your country is the biggest honour a footballer can have, and if it isn’t, then you’ve got a problem.”

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