Jeff Stelling has slammed Arsenal defender Ben White for 'playing cards on the beach' on the same day that England were defeated by Brazil.
White did not wish to be considered for the latest Three Lions squad earlier this month. Arsenal director Edu informed Gareth Southgate of his decision not to include White ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, despite the fact he has been in excellent form this season.
And on Saturday - the same day that England faced Brazil at Wembley - his wife, Milly White, posted an image on Instagram of the couple enjoying some time away and lying on sunbeds while playing card game Uno. According to the Daily Mail, White jetted off to Dubai for some sun before Arsenal take on Manchester City this weekend.
"Arsenal defender Ben White has jetted off to Dubai," Stelling said on talkSPORT. "He decided he didn't want to play for England in the games against Brazil and Belgium.
"He has been enjoying his time there by the looks of it, whilst his England teammates suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil, Ben was enjoying a game of UNO and soaking up the sun on a beach in Dubai.
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"I have a bit of sympathy for people who play cards, but not Ben. What are you doing? What are you doing posting the fact that you are in Dubai playing cards? You decided not to play for England, that’s fine. Your prerogative, just let the boys get on with it."
White has not played for England since March 2022 but was selected for the World Cup in Qatar later that year. However, the 26-year-old left the camp midway through the tournament due to 'personal reasons', which sparked suggestions he was involved in a bust-up with assistant manager Steve Holland.
Having returned to Arsenal, White continued to impress for the Gunners as they battled for the Premier League title last season. Although Mikel Arteta's side missed out on top spot, White has been at it once again this term and grabbed two assists in their 2-1 victory over Brentford on March 9.
Ben White has enjoyed some time off with his wife (@millywhite)
White pictured with his wife Milly during a previous holiday (@milly_adams/Instagram)After announcing his squad for this month's matches Brazil and Belgium, Southgate revealed White refused to be available for selection. He said: "I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side.
"I don't know why that is. There is no issue between us at all and there's also no issue with Steve, which has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that. I have to accept things are false about me, but I'm not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us."
England were beaten 1-0 by Brazil on Saturday courtesy of a second-half strike from new Real Madrid forward Endrick. It was the Three Lions' first home defeat for 21 matches but they will be hoping to bounce back when they face Belgium on Tuesday - their last game before a provisional Euros squad is announced.
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