Footage of Arsenal star Ben White talking about England during his time at Brighton has emerged - and it sums things up.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate confirmed that, ahead of the selection of his squad to take on friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month, he was informed that White was not available.
Southgate stated that Arsenal sporting director Edu called to deliver the news that White did not want to be selected.
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Southgate added: "There is no issue between us at all and there's also no issue with Steve [Holland, assistant manager], which has been mentioned in articles ... that's not the reason Ben is not with us."
The Arsenal defender, who recently signed a long-term contract to stay at the Emirates Stadium, left England's 2022 World Cup squad partway through that tournament due to 'personal reasons'. Since then, he has not played a game for the Three Lions.
The Athletic claim that White is said to have found international football, and life at tournaments, difficult, as well as having other players ahead of him in the pecking order.
They also allege that he did have a row with Holland - although Southgate has denied this.
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White has not publicly commented on the snub, with his most recent Instagram post ignoring it entirely and instead addressing his new deal with Arsenal.
Now, footage of White discussing the moment he found out about his first England call-up whilst at Brighton has emerged - and it shows how much feelings have changed for all parties.
He told Sky Sports News about being picked in the provisional squad for Euro 2020: "I didn't really believe it.
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"Obviously speaking to Dan [Ashworth, then-Brighton technical director], he told me the news and when I was going. It was unbelievable.
"I put the phone down, rang my mum straight away. I sat down, I cried. My mum's crying, my dad, had all my sisters there. I just sat and cried for about an hour.
"I couldn't really believe it, and I don't think it's settled in yet.
"When that call did come, I was over the moon with it and shocked really. There's no pressure, I've got to go and do what I've got to do, and do my best. If I do get game time, I've got to produce my quality and show everyone what I've got."
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Although White was cut from the final 26-man squad for Euro 2020, he was eventually called up as an injury replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. He didn't play in the tournament, however.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports / GettyTopics: Arsenal, Ben White, England, Gareth Southgate, Euro 2024, Brighton And Hove Albion
