talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has now launched into an attack on one Arsenal star for something he did recently.
Arsenal defender Ben White has come under fire for his decision to opt-out of international duty.
Gareth Southgate recently confirmed that White has asked to no longer be considered for England selection.
The 26-year-old can expect the support of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta for his decision. Arsenal announced White’s new long-term contract on the same day as Southgate’s statement, which is unlikely to have been a matter of coincidence.
As part of the media around his new deal, White was hailed by his Arsenal teammates as being a “warrior” who always puts the team first.
However, the right-back’s attitude has been called into question by some due to his decision to snub the Three Lions. Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp did not hold back, as in a furious tirade he expressed his disgust for White’s actions.
Whilst the full reason for White’s decision is not known, there have been rumours of a rift between him and England coach Steve Holland. Whist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that White is unlikely to change his mind, the player may reconsider his position once Southgate and his coaching staff are no longer in charge of the national team.
Simon Jordan takes aim at Ben White over England controversy
Simon Jordan has now expressed his view on the matter. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said, “we can all have forthright opinions when we’re not abreast of the facts, but prima facie, looking from the outside in, I’m very much in the territory of Harry Redknapp…I don’t know why the player needs to be protected, he’s a big boy. Maybe he needs to spend a bit more time on a sun bed, that’s why he can’t make himself available for England.”
“But, I look at it and go, ‘why are we wasting our time?’ If he doesn’t want to play for England, move on. Why pick him, why call him up? Why make him the subject of a press conference? Also, why feel the need to insulate him?…I think it’s poor. I think he’ll go back and look on his career, in the years to come, and regret the fact that he didn’t play for his country.”
Only White knows if this is a decision he thinks he may one day regret. Until the full story is known, it is also impossible to pass fair judgement upon him. It can be all too easy to forget that footballers face personal and mental health issues as much as anyone else, and there could be any number of legitimate reasons for White to feel uncomfortable with the prospect of playing for England.
This media storm will blow over, and White will have his full focus fixed on doing the best job he can for Arsenal between now and the end of the season. He is loved at the Emirates Stadium, and whilst it took White a while to fully settle at Arsenal, he does now feel at home in north London. He will have a key role to play for the club between now and the end of the season, and Arteta will be hoping that the spotlight he has been in in recent days hasn’t unsettled him at all.