England manager Gareth Southgate has now commented on Arsenal defender Ben White’s situation having left him out of this 33-man-squad today.

Ben White’s relationship with both Gareth Southgate and the England set-up as a whole has been consistently under the spotlight over the last year or so.

On paper, the Arsenal man is one of England’s finest players, a defender who would start for almost any national team in the world.

And yet, as the England manager extends his squad to welcome the likes of Jarell Quansah and Lewis Dunk, of Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively, there is no sign of the Arsenal man.

Of course, that’s not a surprise, we’re all well versed in the fractured relationship between White and the England set up by this point – but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

Southgate’s back line is looking particularly precarious this summer, especially given Luke Shaw is the only recognised left-back in the squad.

And having a player like White would have given the England boss so much more flexibility.

Gareth Southgate confirms he didn’t give ‘unavailable’ Ben White an England call

That being said, when announcing the extended England squad today, Gareth Southgate was asked if he gave Ben White a call.

Much more transparent on the situation these days, Southgate replied: “No. As far as I am aware he is unavailable.”

READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Ben White from his wife to tattoos

Of course, depending on Southgate’s future beyond this summer’s tournament, that might be something that changes in England’s new era.

Arsenal fan or not, England supporters will be itching for White to be back involved, even if his decision has frustrated many.

Fortunately, Arsenal do have three representatives in England’s training squad: Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Both Rice and Saka will be crucial for England this summer, and perhaps Ramsdale’s expected absence from the XI will only fuel his desire for a new challenge next season.

The Arsenal goalkeeper once seemed close to challenging Jordan Pickford for the number one spot, a quest that diminished once David Raya arrived in north London.

All that being said, William Saliba has just predicted that one forgotten Arsenal star will take over at the club next season.