It looks like the issue is with Southgate and his team. I doubt its an attitude problem on Ben's side since Arteta has shown he doesn't suffer fools/egos gladly by booting out Guendouzi, Pepe, and AubameyangReading the linked news article I do not believe Southgate for one minute when he says there is no issue with White and Steve Holland or with Southgate because if there wasn't, why would White excuse himself from wanting to play for England if everything was OK? White is clearly good enough to be picked for England but he does not want to. He has a problem with someone in the England setup in my opinion. It could be with one of the coaching staff or one of the players that he does not want to be in the same squad with them.
And this video shows Ben White's love for England
Hence the ball rolls back to Southgate, who has consistently shown favouritism towards some players. The fact that he's again picked Rashford, Maguire, and Henderson says it all really.