Gareth Southgate says Ben White rejecting England was the player’s choice after the Arsenal defender ruled himself out of selection.
The England manager confirmed the defender’s absence was through he own choice, after receiving a call from Arsenal sporting director Edu last week.
Although Southgate was disappointed with the news, the Three Lions boss reiterated that other players have done exactly the same thing in the past.
“He’s not the first player who hasn’t wanted to be available for selection at certain times,” Southgate said.
“I’ve always tried to protect those players, I always want the door to be left open, even though on lots of those occasions I get it in the neck for not picking them.
“People don’t know the reasons, but sometimes as a leader you have to take the flak for others and allow them time to come through.
“Sometimes we’ve had young players who haven’t felt comfortable coming away with England, when I was with the U21s, and when they get older they get more comfortable.
“There can be all sorts of reasons. I think we should respect that, he’s clearly playing very well and has been for a long time, but he’s not available to me.”
Watch what else Southgate had to say HERE:
