{"id":19137,"date":"2024-11-18T15:31:25","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T15:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/?p=19137"},"modified":"2024-11-18T15:31:25","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T15:31:25","slug":"martin-keown-simon-jordan-debate-ben-white-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/news\/martin-keown-simon-jordan-debate-ben-white-england\/","title":{"rendered":"Martin Keown And Simon Jordan Engage In Heated Clash Over A Future Ben White England Call Up Under Thomas Tuchel"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arsenal and England defender Ben White is once again at the centre of a fiery debate between talkSPORT pundits Martin Keown and Simon Jordan.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The two clashed over White\u2019s potential return to the England<\/a> national team, with Keown advocating for his inclusion under new manager Thomas Tuchel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, Jordan dismissed the idea, citing White\u2019s past withdrawal from international duty.<\/p>\n

Ben White\u2019s Absence from the England Squad<\/strong><\/h2>\n

White\u2019s absence from the England setup has been the subject of scrutiny since he left the 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar.<\/p>\n

Reports suggest the withdrawal was due to a disagreement with former assistant coach Steve Holland, which saw White step away from the England setup entirely, missing major international tournaments since then.<\/p>\n

Gareth Southgate\u2019s recent departure and Tuchel\u2019s appointment as England manager have reignited speculation about whether the Arsenal<\/a> star could make a U-turn on his availability.<\/p>\n

According to talkSPORT<\/em><\/a>, White is now considering a return, though public perception has been mixed, with critics questioning his commitment to the national team.<\/p>\n

Keown and Jordan Clash Over White\u2019s Return<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Keown, a former Arsenal and England defender, was clear in his stance that White\u2019s potential return should not be dismissed.<\/p>\n

Emphasising the need for experienced defenders in the England squad, he said:<\/p>\n

“I think it would be good news if he was available because it\u2019s an area where we need better, more experienced players.”<\/p>\n

Jordan interrupted, saying, “You’ve been praising the culture of players who want to play for England \u2013 here\u2019s a player who doesn\u2019t want to play for England, and now because he\u2019s playing for Arsenal, you\u2019re advocating that he can get back into the England fold!”<\/p>\n

Keown chimed back in, saying, “I\u2019m saying that we need to hold the door open because we\u2019re not blessed with experienced players in that position.<\/p>\n

“Why is it an exception? He\u2019s fallen out with Steve Holland by all accounts, and neither man wanted to back down \u2013 we\u2019re not privy to the conversation, okay?<\/p>\n

“For me, it doesn\u2019t really matter at the moment because he\u2019s not fit and available and hasn\u2019t declared anything publicly. When he does, then there\u2019s a different conversation.”<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udea8 Ben White is expected to be out for between 10-12 weeks following surgery. [@Teamnewsandtix<\/a>] pic.twitter.com\/uJXZXQYDop<\/a><\/p>\n

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) November 14, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n