Ben White’s choice to forego England’s friendly hasn’t stopped provoking discussion or controversy. White’s wife Milly posted a photo of the couple playing Uno on a beach during their warm-weather vacation to social media while the national team was losing 1-0 to Brazil at Wembley.

The Arsenal defender’s decision to prioritize spending time with his wife and his absence from the England camp have sparked rumors and doubts. Since departing England’s World Cup camp in Qatar in 2022 for “personal reasons,” White has not played for his country. White’s prolonged absence is said to have been caused by a quarrel with England assistant coach Steve Holland.

Reportedly, during their stay in Qatar, Holland inquired about White’s enthusiasm for football, citing his lack of understanding and passion in the game when he asked him about Manchester City’s results. The stress was reportedly increased by the fact that this exchange happened in front of other squad members.

White has said in the past that he still doesn’t regularly watch football and that he wasn’t a huge fan when he was younger. Gareth Southgate, though, has insisted that there were no problems between Holland and White in the World Cup training facility.

Southgate and the England team suffered a disappointing loss to Brazil in spite of the ongoing conversations regarding White’s decision. White’s strong performances at Arsenal would have probably resulted in a call-up if he had decided to attend the camp.

While England gets ready for the European Championship, rumors and attention are still swirling over White’s absence and his vacation with his spouse.