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Mikel Arteta defends Ben White's decision to REJECT England under Gareth Southgate - after Thomas Tuchel opened the door to his return

Mikel Arteta firmly defended Ben White's 'very brave' decision to make himself unavailable for England selection under Gareth Southgate as he was 'struggling' in the set-up.

White has not played for his country since dropping out of England's Qatar World Cup camp in November 2022 because of 'personal reasons'. A rumoured falling out with the then England assistant coach Steve Holland had been reported.

The 27-year-old has played four times for the Three Lions, with his last appearance in March 2022. Thomas Tuchel confirmed White 'would love to be back in the squad' but did not pick him Friday's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Albania later this month.