Ben White is considering making himself available for England again following Gareth Southgate’s decision to stand down as manager.

It emerged earlier this year that the Arsenal defender, 26, had made it clear to Southgate that he was not available for selection ahead of Euro 2024.

But a new report from The Star claims that White is weighing up a return to the international fold now that Southgate and his assistant, Steve Holland, are no longer at the helm.

White’s stance on playing for England emerged earlier this year amid reports claiming he and Holland fell out during the 2022 World Cup, where the player was granted permission to head back to the UK from Qatar early.


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Despite impressing in Arsenal’s Premier League title bid since then, White has maintained his stance on international duty – but he could now change his mind ahead of the appointment of a new manager.

White’s consistent performances for the Gunners would likely have seen him earn a place in the England squad for the recent European Championship and his presence would represent a significant boost for whoever succeeds Southgate at the helm should White decide to make a U-turn.

Southgate confirmed he would be standing down shortly after England’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss against Spain in the Euro 2024 final earlier this month.

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Ben White
White has not been in contention for England since leaving the 2022 World Cup early ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
While it remains to be seen who will replace the former Middlesbrough boss, a number of high-profile names have been linked with the roles and the Football Association are keen to make an appointment before the start of England’s UEFA Nations League campaign in September.

Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley are all thought to be in contention to succeed Southgate while the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have also been linked with the role in recent weeks.

It remains to be seen if the FA will attempt to appoint a permanent head coach before September or whether they will seek an interim appointment. England kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign later this year ahead of the 2026 tournament which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.