Ben White pictured back in Arsenal training after snubbing Gareth Southgate’s England call-up… as Gunners get to work ahead of crunch match with title rivals Manchester City
- The defender spent time in Dubai last week after rejecting Southgate’s call-up
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Ben White was found back in Arsenal training on Tuesday afternoon after returning from his holiday in Dubai during the international break.
White made headlines a fortnight ago when he turned down the chance to join the England camp for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The Arsenal defender declined the call-up after reportedly clashing with England assistant Steve Holland at the World Cup in Qatar, which led to him leaving the camp during the tournament.
White headed to Dubai for a warm-weather break with his wife Milly Adams, amid a debate over his decision to turn down the chance to play for Gareth Southgate’s side.
The 26-year-old was recovered from Arsenal’s training on Tuesday as he steps up his preparations for the Gunners’ crucial clash with title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Arsenal defender Ben White was pictured during the club’s first-team training on Tuesday
White was at the center of the debate after rejecting Gareth Southgate’s England call-up
The Gunners went to work on Sunday for their match against title rival Manchester City
White turned down a call-up from England and is instead spending time with his wife Milly
White was seen handling the ball during training, and also working on a number of fitness exercises that day.
England have now finalized their preparations for the friendly match against Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday evening.
On Saturday, as the Three Lions lost 1-0 to Brazil in their first Wembley defeat in 21 games, White’s wife shared a photo of the two playing cards in Dubai.
The couple appeared to be at Kyma Beach, as the couple lounged on chairs on the sand with a picturesque pool and backdrop behind them.
However, the seemingly innocuous post appeared to cause trouble for some as Jeff Stelling took aim at the Arsenal star during a talkSPORT broadcast.
White has not played for England since leaving their 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar due to ‘personal reasons’ amid reports he had a falling out with the Netherlands.
Reports have suggested that the rift was sparked by the Netherlands questioning White’s interest in football while they were in Qatar.
White’s wife Milly shared a photo of the pair playing Uno after flying to Dubai on holiday
Reports suggested he left the World Cup camp after falling out with Steve Holland (right), although Gareth Southgate (left) insisted there are no issues between the pair
Southgate’s assistant is said to have asked Kyle Walker a question related to Manchester City’s performance in the previous season, before asking White the same question regarding Arsenal.
White reportedly said he did not know the answer, leading Holland to claim it was due to his lack of interest in football.
The conversation is said to have taken place in the presence of other members of the team.
White has previously admitted that he was never a football fan when he was younger and that he rarely watches games to this day.
