Arsenal star TURNS DOWN England call-up

Arsenal defender Ben White has DECLINED the opportunity to be called up by England but remains in contention for a place at Euro 2024 should he make himself available.

White, 26, hasn’t played for the Three Lions since the World Cup in Qatar, the tournament he left early due to a personal issue.

The Gunners’ right back has been in sparkling form for his club side this season as they go for the Premier League title but wants no part of the international arena at present, according to manager Gareth Southgate.

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White pens new Arsenal deal

Arsenal announced on Thursday that White had put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with the club, thereby becoming the latest first-team star to pledge his future to Mikel Arteta’s team.

"On form, I can't sit here and say he doesn't deserve to be in," Southgate said while unveiling the squad to face Belgium and Brazil in friendlies later this month. "[The FA technical director] John McDermott had a call from [Arsenal sporting director] Edu last week to say Ben didn't want to be considered for England squads at this time.

"That's a great shame, he's a player I really like, he's a player we took to the Euros when he was at Brighton, to the World Cup.

"I spoke to him post-Qatar, because I wanted to pick him. There was clearly reticence from his side, I don't know fully why that is.

"But I have to respect that, I want to leave the door open for him, because he's a good player and he can make a difference for England - but he's not available to us, so the only other thing I would say is there is no issue between us, at all.”

Mainoo call-up denied

Elsewhere, Kalvin Phillips has been dropped from the squad while Jordan Henderson retains his place.

Meanwhile, Southgate also declined to name in-form Luton star Ross Barkley in the squad while Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo was a shock omission.