Gareth admits he can’t protect Ben White from backlash after turning down the call

ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate urged fans to sack Ben White after he asked not to be picked for his country again.

Southgate, who named a 25-man squad for Brazil and Belgium, revealed the Arsenal star does not want a call-up despite his red-hot form.

Ben White has signed a new contract with Arsenal but has rejected a return to EnglandCredit: PA

Gareth Southgate says it's a 'shame' White said no to him — Gareth Southgate says it’s a ‘shame’ White said no to himCredit: PA

Four-cap White, 26, who signed a new four-year contract with the Gunners on Thursday, went home from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for personal reasons.

Yet Southgate says the door is still open to him, adding: “I don’t want a response. I understand that we are in a situation where that could happen.

“But he has signed a new contract so there is no doubt he has the love of the Arsenal fans.

‘The sad thing is that I would have liked to have chosen him.

“In these situations I tried to protect players. Yet that is impossible here.

“Due to the timing of the request to be taken off the longlist for our squad, I don’t think it would be right not to mention the situation we are in.

“We explained to Arsenal that we were going to do that. And when you make a decision like that, you have to support it.

“The door is open – but that is now unlikely for the euro due to the situation this month.

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“In the future I hope he thinks differently. I can’t say he doesn’t deserve to be there.”

SunSport understands the defender has not ruled out a return one day.

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But Arsenal sporting director Edu called FA chief John McDermott to tell him White still did not want to be considered.

Knowing Southgate would be asked about White, Arsenal confirmed yesterday morning that he has signed until 2028.

Southgate, whose side host Brazil a week on Saturday and Belgium three days later, added: “I have to respect the decision.

“I spoke to him after Qatar and there was reluctance on his part.

“I don’t really know why that is. There is no problem between us. There is no problem with it [England No 2] Steve Holland. That has been said and I don’t like that.”

Meanwhile, Southgate fears Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, 28, could miss the Euros with a muscle injury.

He said: “The timelines suggest he will only be available in the latter stages of the season.

“You don’t know which version of the player you’re going to get.”