Ben White soaks up sun in Dubai and plays UNO after refusing England call-up prior to Brazil defeat

Ben White soaks up sun in Dubai and plays UNO after refusing England call-up prior to Brazil defeat

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 24/03/2024

- 16:43

The Arsenal star didn't want to be part of the squad for the match at Wembley

Ben White is spending some time in the Dubai sunshine after refusing to play for England prior to their 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday night.

The Arsenal star has enjoyed a terrific season for his club, playing a key role amid the Gunners' rise to the top of the Premier League table.


When it comes to England, however, White doesn't want to know.

Gareth Southgate was recently informed the 26-year-old was unavailable for international selection, having previously jetted home from the World Cup in Qatar at the tail end of 2022.

Ben White England

Ben White is currently in Dubai after missing England's friendly defeat to Brazil on Saturday night

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And White has now opted to jet out to the Middle East instead of playing for his country.

The former Brighton star posed for a picture with wife Milly Adams while wearing a white bucket hat.

Milly, on her Instagram, then shared a photo of her sun lounger with UNO cards visible on the bed.

The pair previously married at a private ceremony back in May.

Their trip to Dubai comes with Arsenal not in action until next weekend, where they'll go up against Manchester City in one of the biggest matches of the season.

The Gunners beat their title rivals at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the season.

And a similar result at the Etihad would boost their chances of securing a first league crown since 2004.

Soutgate, earlier this month, admitted he'd have named White in his squad for matches against Brazil and Belgium if the defender had been available.

Explaining the snub from the Arsenal star, the 53-year-old said: “You’d have to speak to him or Arsenal to get an understanding of that.

"There have been players over the years in my time who didn’t want to be available. I’ve had that since we’ve been here. It’s not the only time [a player has turned down a call up].

“For me, England was the pinnacle. Did I enjoy every moment with England? No.

"Were there moments where you thought ‘here we go, into the lions’ den’ if you like? Yes.

"But I always wanted to challenge myself and test myself.

"And the things I regret in my life are the things that I’ve not had a go at, not the things that I’ve failed at. For me, it was always the ultimate.

“But, I wasn’t at a club going for the league title, or in the last couple of rounds of the Champions League. I can’t speculate what’s behind it.”

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UNO Ben White

Ben White has played UNO during his time in Dubai with the Arsenal star unavailable for England selection

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Harry Maguire was asked about White prior to England's defeat to Brazil.

And the Manchester United star admitted he's in the dark as to why his fellow centre-back isn't available for international duty.

"Ben’s an excellent footballer," he said.

"He trained really well [at the World Cup before heading home early] but I honestly don’t know the ins and outs of why he’s not wanting to be in the squad at the moment.

"All I do know is that playing for your country is the greatest honour a footballer can get.

England Brazil

England lost to Brazil at Wembley with midfielder Endrick scoring the only goal of the game

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"When I was a young boy I dreamt of playing for my country. Every opportunity I get I will take.

"Playing for my country means absolutely everything to me."

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