Southgate: The Arsenal Star does not Want to Join the England National Team

Sudan Events – Agencies

England national team coach Gareth Southgate confirmed that he decided to exclude midfielder Kalvin Phillips from the team’s squad to face Brazil and Belgium this month, due to his low level.
Phillips moved on loan from Manchester City to West Ham United during the last winter transfer period, but he gave a modest performance before moving to the bench.
Southgate said in a press conference on Thursday evening, when the list was announced: “I think he knows exactly my opinion of him. The good version of him represents an important player for us. We do not have many players with these abilities.”
He added: “Unfortunately, his level was not good enough. I spoke to him, and he knows that. I told him at the end of last year, if he did not play for City, it would be a problem.”
Southgate explained why Arsenal full-back Ben White, who withdrew from the team’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, was not called up and has not returned since.
“We got a call from (Arsenal sporting director) Edu last week saying Ben didn’t want to be included in the England team at the moment,” Southgate said.
He concluded: “I spoke to him after the Qatar World Cup and he was reserved. I don’t know the reason for that, but I respect that. I leave the door open because he is a good player. There is no problem between us at all and there is also no problem with (assistant technical director) Steve Holland.”