)
White controversially turned down a call-up by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate ahead of friendlies this week against Brazil and Belgium, and while many may disagree with the Arsenal defender's choice, Sagna thinks the 26-year-old made the right call.
Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna believes Ben White choosing not to play for England during the current international break is good for both the team and the player.
White controversially turned down a call-up by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate ahead of friendlies this week against Brazil and Belgium, and while many may disagree with the Arsenal defender's choice, Sagna thinks the 26-year-old made the right call.
)
Speaking to Paddy Power, former France international Sagna explained why White rejecting his country's call-up is a good thing rather than a negative.
“As a player, if I wasn’t in the mental state to represent my country, I would not have done it. You would help your country by not going because if you’re not in the mental state and can’t be an addition to the national team, I wouldn’t want to go.”
)
14:36 - 21.03.2024
'You're a disgrace -' Former Arsenal player slams Ben White for turning down England call up
“Very few people get the opportunity to represent their country. For Ben White to turn that down because he doesn’t want to sit on the bench or because he doesn’t like watching football? I’m sorry, but I think you’re a bit of a disgrace."
“If you get called up, you want to go and have a positive impact. It’s a personal choice and must be respected. No one knows what Ben White’s relationship with the England team is like, and no one knows his mental state or how he feels. Only he knows how he feels so we can’t judge him on his decision. It’s a controversial decision for some people, but if he feels okay, that’s what matters."
)
14:05 - 22.03.2024
No pressure - Bevis Mugabi on his Uganda Cranes captaincy appointment
"The coach has given me the captaincy but nothing is going to change, I'm still going to push, try to lead by example on the pitch."
“He’ll want to be happy to be called up to England and pleased to be able to the help the team. I’ve seen some people criticise him and say ‘you have to be patriotic and play for your country’ but if he goes to England and doesn’t have the right mind set, it doesn’t benefit anyone! It’s Ben White’s personal choice that has to be respected.”
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)