A poll has found that almost 40 percent of men under the age of 28 would refuse to join if this proud nation were to call to arms if Vlad the Invader set his sights on Western Europe.
Recruitment for our armed forces is at an unprecedented level. And if the government were to enforce conscription, these recent findings reveal that more millions of fighting-age men would flee this country than are currently pouring across Ukraine’s borders to avoid Zelenskiy’s war.
It is reasonable to assume that Ben White – given that he left the England squad midway through the World Cup in Qatar – would be among those who refuse.
No real reason was given for his premature flight home.
The suggestion is that, given that White believes he is the best right-back since Brazil’s immortal Carlos Alberto, he found it impossible to understand why Gareth Southgate had not called on him to play a single second in the group games in Qatar.
Ben White was in the England squad for the 2022 World Cup but withdrew due to ‘personal reasons’
There is reportedly a rift between White and England assistant manager Steve Holland (left)
Your browser does not support iframes.
It is said that he was so offended that he shocked Southgate’s staff by refusing to study a video of the next team England were due to play.
Whatever the excuse, there seems little doubt that he put personal above patriotic.
Frankly, no footballer should refuse to stand up for his country. Whether on the field, on the bench or even in the stands. If White breaks his silence and offers a REAL reason for his decision, I’m willing to let him go.
But let’s do it right, Ben. Although it can be quite frustrating to kick with your heels instead of a ball, it does not put you at risk of never being able to kick a ball again for the rest of your life because your legs are seriously injured.
And by the way, there is no talk of withdrawing from the front lines because your girlfriend caught Covid.
Really Ben, would it have been that hard to cheer on the rest of the boys for a few weeks? When your fans have spent all their savings to go to the World Cup and would have to find more hard-earned shillings to stay in the desert if England reached the final?
Southgate had swallowed his dismay and actually wanted the wretch to be available for a few friendlies this month, with a view to re-selection for this summer’s European Championship. Bafflingly, Arsenal called the FA to say he would not be making himself available.
The England manager continued to defend a weak defense for White yesterday, adding something like ‘It doesn’t matter, I’ll take you to the reckoning for the 2026 World Cup.’
Always assuming that Southgate will still cling to his work like a barnacle to the rusty hull of an old boat, even if he loses his nerve again, the first big hurdle comes at the European Championships.
Loyalty is often cited as an absolute necessity for a manager to keep players onside. It is a maxim that can be taken too far.
The next Bryan Robson – England’s best tackling, creating, scoring, turbo and all-round midfielder – will not be found among the wimps or the inflated egos.
Gareth Southgate revealed White did not want to be considered for national team selection
White signed a long-term new contract with Arsenal, which will keep him at the Emirates until 2028
Not even among those who declare themselves too tired after a few club matches to volunteer for national duty. This includes you, Master Bellingham, who asked not to be drafted in October 2021.
Personally, I wouldn’t give in if I was in charge. One hit and you’re out. Because, Gareth, you will never win a World Cup with footballers who are not particularly proud of playing for their country.
If my great friend Bobby Moore were with us today, he’d say to Bellingham, “Hey Jude, get your priorities straight.”
If my father were alive he would be shocked to know White plays for the Gunners. Not because he had links with Arsenal, but because he had fought in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War.
By the way, he lied about being younger than his age to be eligible for drafting.
Benny might be kidding himself that he’s one of the Jets. Afraid not. He’s a loser.