23 March 2024 , 17:49
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Harry Maguire has admitted he is not sure of the reasons behind Ben White's decision to reject an England call-up - but did praise the way the Arsenal defender trains.
White's omission from Gareth Southgate's 25-man squad was a big talking point ahead of the two friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The Three Lions manager made clear that White had asked not to be considered for selection, with Gunners sporting director Edu communicating the decision to the FA.
The 26-year-old has not featured for England since he left the 2022 World Cup early amid rumours that White had fallen out in the England camp. At the time, 'personal reasons' were cited by the FA as the reason behind White's early exit in Qatar.
Southgate's admission that White does not want to be part of this current England squad has led to plenty of criticism directed at the Gunners defender. Ex-Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp labelled White's Three Lions snub as "disgusting", while many fans and pundits alike have claimed the former Brighton ace should never represent his country again.
However, Maguire is one of the first members of the current crop to break their silence on White opting out of international duty. The United centre-back has explained how he isn't sure of his fellow countryman's motives.
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"Ben’s an excellent footballer," Maguire told The Times ahead England’s friendly with Brazil on Saturday night. "He trained really well [at the World Cup before heading home early] but I honestly don’t know the ins and outs of why he’s not wanting to be in the squad at the moment.
"All I do know is that playing for your country is the greatest honour a footballer can get. When I was a young boy I dreamt of playing for my country. Every opportunity I get I will take. Playing for my country means absolutely everything to me."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Southgate have gone public about White's decision? Comment below
Ben White did not wish to be considered for the latest England squad (Getty Images)Maguire isn't the only England international to discuss White's training ground conduct. Conor Coady hasn't been named in the current squad, but was part of the team that travelled to Qatar two years ago and spoke glowingly of White's character.
"When I was in the England squad and he was, he was a great character to have around the place," Coady told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He is a great lad, first and foremost. How he trains, how he goes on about his business, he is top top drawer."
Coady went on to add that he is saddened by White's situation and claimed: "He deserves to play for his country." The comments come after it has been reported that the Arsenal ace has spent the bulk of the Premier League season playing through the pain barrier with an injury.
However, that same knock is not thought to have had any bearing on White's decision to reject England duty.
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