Arsenal supporters believe their social media admin has taken aim at England and boss Gareth Southgate, following the Three Lions' draw with Denmark.
The Gunners account on X, posted about defender Ben White in the wake of a disappointing England performance. The full-back, who enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 was not in contention to be selected for the nation's Euro 2024 squad.
While teammates Decland Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka are hoping for European championship glory, White is enjoying time off after a long season. Ahead of England's March internationals, the former Brighton star made himself unavailable for selection.
White has not been part of an England squad since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The 26-year-old departed that tournament early amid reports he had fallen out with coach Steve Holland.
Arsenal's post on X celebrated White's qualities: "Consistency. Courage. Class". The club then posted a thread of the defender's highlights in an Arsenal shirt.
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The timely post was in great contrast to a tired England performance. Fans of the north London side were quick to point that out with some taking delight in doing so.
"W admin," said one user as another added, "We know what you’re doing admin!" It was a common theme as a further fan said: "The timing of the appreciation!"
Ben White with the England squad at the 2022 World Cup (Getty Images)One supporter simply wrote: "Someone please tag Gareth Southgate". The club's followers were more than happy to express their feelings that White should be with the squad this summer. "Been missed by England at the #Euro2024," one claimed while another added: "11: his brilliant performance at the Euros… oh wait."
Southgate noted he did not contact Ben White ahead of this summer's tournament in Germany. “As far as I’m aware, he’s not available to us,” said the England boss when announcing his squad.
The Three Lions manager revealed it was a decision made by White. “You’d have to speak to him or Arsenal to get an understanding of that," he said in March.
"There have been players over the years in my time who didn’t want to be available. I’ve had that since we’ve been here. It’s not the only time [a player has turned down a call-up].
“For me, England was the pinnacle. Did I enjoy every moment with England? No. Were there moments where you thought ‘Here we go, into the lions’ den’ if you like? Yes. But I always wanted to challenge myself and test myself. And the things I regret in my life are the things that I’ve not had a go at, not the things that I’ve failed at. For me, it was always the ultimate.
“But, I wasn’t at a club going for the league title, or in the last couple of rounds of the Champions League. I can’t speculate what’s behind it.”
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