• The former Brighton defender has been capped four times for England and has started all three of Arsenal’s fixtures in the new Premier League season.
• Asked whether he was planning to speak to White before the next round of England games, Carsley said: “I’ve not planned to, no
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Ben White has not been selected for England for the past two years
Interim manager Lee Carsley says he is not planning to speak to Ben White about playing for England, adding that the Arsenal defender had asked not to be contacted.
The 26-year-old right-back has not been selected for a Three Lions squad since leaving the 2022 World Cup camp during the tournament for personal reasons.
The former Brighton defender has been capped four times for England and has started all three of Arsenal’s fixtures in the new Premier League season.
Asked whether he was planning to speak to White before the next round of England games, Carsley said: “I’ve not planned to, no.
“We spoke about this in the squad selection. Every player that is eligible to play for England is in with a chance. As far as I’m aware he asked to not be contacted. If that changes, that will change.
“I think it is important that we have real competition all over the pitch, and the more players we have available to pick from the better it is.”
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has impressed at right-back in Carsley’s two games so far, helping England to wins against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid suffered a blow with the loss of Spain under-21 midfielder Pablo Barrios due to injury ahead of a crucial stretch in the season, which includes their Champions League debut and two key derbies, one of which is against Real Madrid.
Barrios was forced to withdraw from the under-21 squad after experiencing muscle problems in his left leg. Initially thought to be a minor strain, the issue has now been confirmed as a more serious injury, likely sidelining him for a month.
His absence comes at a challenging time for Atletico, as they face seven games in just over three weeks.
The schedule includes La Liga matches against Valencia, Rayo Vallecano (the first of the Madrid derbies), Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad.
Diego Simeone’s side also has two crucial Champions League fixtures, hosting RB Leipzig on September 19 and travelling to Lisbon to face Benfica on October 2, just three days after they clashed with Real Madrid. Barrios has played a key role for Simeone this season, logging 315 minutes across Atletico’s first four matches.
His injury leaves the team with limited options in central midfield, with Rodrigo de Paul, Koke, and new signing Conor Gallagher available to fill the gap.