‘I don’t think he’s good enough’…Pundit seriously unimpressed with £50m Arsenal player behavior – Told Mikel Arteta to be careful
It’s safe to say Ben White’s omission from the latest England squad has been quite the talking point in football this week.
The Arsenal defender has been in fine form but Gareth Southgate once again didn’t pick him. This time, though, Southgate revealed it was White’s wish not to be selected. Of course, that has caused plenty of reaction across the pundit and football fan world.
Chris Sutton has suggested White will regret his decision, while Southgate himself played down rumours of a right with assistant coach, Steve Holland.
However, offering up a more cutting opinion on White, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has slammed the Arsenal man.
Ben White not good enough for England, says Stan Collymore
Writing in his latest column for CaughtOffside, Collymore pulled no punches with his comments on White, insisting he’s not good enough anyway.
“Even though I am incredibly disappointed a player has made this decision, I don’t think it’s a great loss to England. White is having a decent season for Arsenal, but I don’t think he’s good enough anyway,” Collymore wrote.
“Credit where it’s due — he is certainly versatile — he can play at right back, centre-back and even drift into midfield, but there is no way he’s going to get in ahead of Kyle Walker or John Stones, both of whom can also play those roles. So for me, thanks but no thanks, Mr White. We know you want to be a nailed-on starter, but you can’t always get exactly what you want, especially at international level and especially in tournament football. It’s a squad game, and if you’re lucky enough to get a chance, it’s on you to take it, but he’s refused the opportunity, so in my opinion, he should never be called up again — regardless of who is in charge.”
Easily good enough but not a problem
Collymore calling £50m man White not good enough is probably a touch harsh. This is a man who is a regular in one of the best defences in Europe and he’s produced all season.
White is good enough for England and in different circumstances, might well be playing.
However, Collymore is right in that we do have options galore at right-back. He’s not getting in ahead of the likes of Kyle Walker and even Kieran Trippier. So on that front, it’s right.
But on the whole, this just feels like a massive shame for everyone. Hopefully, in the future, England and White can resolve this and get him back among things.
