BEN WHITE has been slammed by Jeff Stelling for playing UNO on a beach while on holiday.
The Arsenal defender sparked controversy last week after Gareth Southgate revealed he did not want to make himself available for England duty.
White, 26, has not been part of the Three Lions squad since leaving the squad during the 2022 World Cup.
Reports claim he fell out with England assistant boss Steve Holland – which Southgate denies.
White instead decided to go on holiday to Dubai this week and unwound by playing a game of UNO with his wife Milly while England lost 1-0 to Brazil.
Stelling ripped into White, saying on talkSPORT: “He decided he didn’t want to play for England in the games against Brazil and Belgium.
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“He has been enjoying his time there by the looks of it, whilst his England team-mates suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil, Ben was enjoying a game of UNO and soaking up the sun on a beach in Dubai.
“I have a bit of sympathy for people who play cards, but not Ben. What are you doing?
“What are you doing posting the fact that you are in Dubai playing cards? You decided not to play for England, that’s fine. Your prerogative, just let the boys get on with it.”
Southgate urged fans not to criticise White for his decision but admitted he may not be able to protect the Gunners star.
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He said: “I don’t want a backlash. I understand we are in a situation where that could happen.
“But he’s signed a new contract so there’s no question he’s got the love of the Arsenal fans.
“The shame is I’d have liked to have picked him.
“In these situations, I’ve tried to protect players. Yet that’s impossible here.
“Because of the timing of asking to come off the long-list for our squad, I don’t think that it would be right not to state the situation we’re in.
“We’ve explained to Arsenal we were going to do that. And if you make a decision like that, you do have to stand by it.
“The door is open — but that’s unlikely now for the Euros because of the situation this month.
“Moving forward, I’d hope he feels differently about it. I can’t say he doesn’t deserve to be in.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
