Ben White’s agent responds to England comeback talk | OneFootball

Ben White’s agent Alexander Levack says it’s a case of ‘wait and see’ for a possible return to the England squad for the Arsenal defender.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ben White of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on December 17, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

It’s no secret that Ben White has been absent from recent England squads by choice, with Gareth Southgate publicly revealing that the defender had opted not to be considered for a call-up in March.

But with Southgate subsequently leaving his post as England manager, there’s been some speculation that White could now return to the fold.

Speaking to Sky Sports this week, White’s agent Alexander Levack suggested a decision hasn’t yet been made.

“It’s all ifs, buts, and maybes,” Levack said. “It’s just hard to comment at the minute. It’s not something we’ve spoken in depth about. So I suppose… wait and see.

“I think he’s going to focus on Arsenal and hopefully them mounting a title challenge again.”

DOHA, QATAR: Ben White of England looks on during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 26, 2022. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

As for why White decided not to link up with England in the first place, Sky Sports pushed the player’s agent for an explanation.

“We’ve dealt with this in a really private manner,” Levack responded. “We would like to continue to do so.

“There’s been a lot said by various different outlets and people but I think we’re going to remain quiet on that.

“It’s hard, because in one sense you want people to hear something so the noise (around the situation) goes away. But we just removed ourselves from the situation.

“There are reasons, and they’ll be remaining private.”

England’s defender Ben White (L) vies with Switzerland’s midfielder Steven Zuber (R) during the international friendly football match between England and Switzerland at Wembley stadium in north London on March 26, 2022. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Though Southgate denied White’s absence had anything to do with his assistant manager Steve Holland, many media reports have suggested there was a failing-out between White and Holland during the 2022 World Cup campaign.

Holland followed Southgate out the door after Euro 2024, and it’s not impossible that could be a pivotal factor in White’s decision on whether or not to accept a September call-up.

Yet there are no guarantees he’ll even get one, with plenty of competition for places in the right-back spot for England.

As White’s agent suggests, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.