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The issue has become significant enough that the rift not only saw White return from Qatar just after the final group-stage game against Wales, but has also meant he has chosen not to play subsequently. Southgate said that there was a “reticence” on the part of the player to resume international duty when he spoke to him in the months after Qatar.
How many attempts Southgate has made to recall White since the World Cup is not clear. The decision about the latest squad, with games against Brazil and Belgium over the next six days, was conveyed by Arsenal sporting director Edu to his FA counterpart John McDermott.
The Football Association has declined to comment. Arsenal have declined to comment. So too have White’s representatives. Southgate has been adamant that the issue is not with Holland. He said last week: “People can talk about me, and I have to accept that things get said that are false about me. For whatever reason in this role, you have to almost stomach that. But I’m not prepared for that to happen for a key member of my coaching team because that is not the reason Ben is unavailable for selection.”
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