'Power to you' - Ex-Premier League star supports Arsenal's Ben White over England decision

Recently, Arsenal defender Ben White sparked controversy when he allegedly refused a call-up to the latest England squad - but former Premier League star Ben Foster understands his situation and expressed his sympathy for the 26-year-old.

Foster urged White's detractors to put themselves in his 'shoes' and explained that he could merely need a short break from football. Indeed, players are being forced into more and more strenuous cycles in the modern world - top tier footballers can play as many as 86 games in a single season under the current regime.

Nevertheless, White will be a big miss to Gareth Southgate in England's upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Brazil. The former Leeds United loanee has played in 27 Premier League games this season, scoring two goals and registering four assists.

What did Ben Foster have to say about Ben White?

Speaking on The Cycling GK Podcast on YouTube, Foster said: "It’s hard to know exactly what Ben White is like as a character. There’s been loads of stories floating around before about the fact that he doesn’t particularly like football away from it.

"Obviously when he turns up to his day job at Arsenal he trains very well, same on a Saturday afternoon. He’s been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League this season, it’s as simple as that.

"But when it comes to all the other stuff I get the vibe that he doesn’t really enjoy it all, he doesn’t like the show of it all, especially going away with England. You’ve got to put yourself in Ben White’s shoes.

"If he doesn’t like new environments, new people, you know, he might be an anxious character… you just don’t know what these sort of people are like. So I’m with him. If he if he enjoys these international breaks just getting away from it relaxing, then then power to you mate!"