Ben White gives blunt response to England call-up and aims light-hearted dig at team-mate
While some members of Gareth Southgate’s squad have spent their waking hours nervously awaiting the call-up, Arsenal ’s centre-half wasn’t one of them. He doesn’t have any particular memories of past tournaments and didn’t allow himself to even think about the plane for Qatar until the competition was almost upon him.
“I didn’t grow up watching football. It wasn’t on in my house. If it was, I’d watch for a bit and then try to copy someone or practice a bit of skill. I was always so active. It’s the same now. I always get asked what I do after football - I don’t really do much but I’m always busy. “It was like he knew it was going to happen and it wasn’t a surprise for him but my mum Carole is the opposite, so I’ve got the balance between them. But I don’t look too far ahead. I wake up in the morning, look after that day - try to make it the best ever and I don’t think too far ahead.
White says his attitude has helped him achieve his own personal goals. After being released by Southampton as a youngster, he worked his way through the leagues before hitting the big-time with Brighton and then Arsenal following a £50m move last year.
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