Lee Carsley says England star 'has asked not to be contacted' after Finland win

England news Lee Carsley Finland

England news: Lee Carsley has opened up after his side's 2-0 win over Finland on Tuesday night

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 11/09/2024

- 09:28

The 50-year-old guided his side to victory on Tuesday night

Lee Carsley has revealed Ben White 'has asked not to be contacted' following England's 2-0 win over Finland on Tuesday night.

It was a straightforward evening at Wembley for the Three Lions, who picked up all three points following a brilliant brace from Harry Kane - who was making his 100th international appearance.


White hasn't played for England in nearly two years, having left during the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup for personal reasons.

Carsley was asked about the Arsenal star after making it two wins from two following his appointment as interim boss earlier in the summer.

England news Lee Carsley Finland

England news: Lee Carsley has opened up after his side's 2-0 win over Finland on Tuesday night

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And the 50-year-old has revealed that White has 'asked not to be contacted' as he refuses to play for his country.

"I’ve not planned to [speak to White], no," he said.

"We spoke about this in the squad selection. Every player that’s eligible to play for England is in with a chance.

"As far as I’m aware, he has asked to be not contacted.”

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Carsley was then asked if the 'onus' was on White to make the first move when it comes to returning to the fold.

His form for Arsenal means he warrants selection, though his stance on the matter seems to be decided.

“Yeah. It’s important we have real competition all over the pitch and the more competition we have available to pick from, the better it is," he said.

Carsley is in the running to replace Southgate on a permanent basis.

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With two victories from as many matches, the former Everton star's stint in charge couldn't have gone any better so far.

Carsley admitted, however, that he feels 'out of his comfort zone' despite the positive results and performances from his team.

"I don't feel comfortable," he said.

"I've been out my comfort zone in this international window.

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Ben White

England news: Lee Carsley says Ben White 'has asked not to be contacted' following his side's win over Finland

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"It's been enjoyable but I've had to make sure I'm producing high standards.

"We do as good a job as we can. It's about building on that now."

And Carsley also lavished praise on Kane after his brace helped break Finland's resolve.

"Harry took his goals really well, a big occasion for him," Carsley added.

England news Harry Kane

England news: Lee Carsley has lavished praise on Harry Kane following his side's 2-0 Nations League win over Finland

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"Kids being here, an emotional night, but really happy for Harry. He fully deserves all the plaudits.

"What I have noticed this week is he is highly motivated to play for England and score goals and to have a centre forward like that, hopefully it continues."

England's next Nations League clash is against Greece on October 10 (7.45pm).

They'll then do battle with Finland for a second time three days later.

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