'It's sad': Frank Leboeuf stunned by what £50m Arsenal player has done this month

09/07/2024 03:45 PM

With the international break in full swing, many of the Arsenal first-team players have gone off to represent their countries.

However, there is one notable absence from the Gunners contingent of players currently in international action.

Arsenal defender Ben White is yet to return to the England fold, despite the changes in the Three Lions’ coaching setup.

The Daily Mail reported last week that White hasn’t expressed a change in stance since Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland left the England setup.

Now, ESPN pundit Frank Leboeuf has given his honest verdict on the £50million man’s stance.

Arsenal defender Ben White urged to return to England fold

The 1998 World Cup winner believes the Arsenal man has put himself in a “sad” situation and will come to “regret” his decision.

“Ben White is going to regret it at some point,” said Leboeuf.

“On top of it, Steve Holland is not even in the squad anymore, so why the reason to say no, I don't want to play anymore.

“I mean, come on, Ben White, it's England, it's the national team.

“It's something that every kid has dreamed about, and you refuse to even say what you want to do, what the reasons are.

“Because now there are no excuses or reasons why you don't want to play for your national team. It's sad for you.”

READ MORE:Viv Anderson shares honest Kai Havertz verdict and rates Arsenal title chances

Pointless to keep pushing for White to change his mind

Whatever the reasons are for White not to return to the England fold, at this point it’s just pointless to keep debating them and pushing him to change his mind.

In future, he may well change his stance, or explain his reasons, but if that happens, it’ll be his decision.

For the time being, England just need to carry on without him, which they are doing. Pundits can keep pushing, but it’s unlikely they’ll change anything.