MIKEL ARTETA hopes Ben White ends his England call-up protest soon.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate revealed this month that Arsenal technical director Edu had informed him that the Gunners defender did NOT want to be selected for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
It is alleged that White fell out with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland at the Qatar World Cup in November 2022 before coming home from the tournament early.
Southgate denied these claims and says the door is open for the former Brighton full-back to return.
White spent this international break on holiday in Dubai – but is set to start against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.
Fans say the same thing as Scott Parker earns shock move to Champions League
Arteta refused to rule out the prospect of White one day returning to the England set-up, but the Arsenal boss stressed the decision was his to make.
The Gunners chief said: “As manager I want the best for him, personally and professionally, and he really needs to feel it.
“And if one day he does return to England, and that’s the case, then yea.
"I think that would be the best option for everybody. But you have to respect that.
“He has received a lot of love. You just have to see what his team-mates and everyone in football thinks of him especially the ones who have been close to him.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
"People have respected his decision. Hopefully, he’s prepared to represent his country in the best way possible one day. But that’s completely up to him.”
White made his senior international debut for England in 2021 at the age of 23 in England's 1-0 victory over Austria.
The 26-year-old has four England caps and was selected for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
