Ben White was snubbed by Gareth Southgate last month, but the Arsenal defender could now be a serious candidate to be called up to England’s World Cup squad thanks to a surprise boost.
The 25-year-old has only played at right-back for Arsenal this season, and he has been sensational. He’s one of our best players now, and he completely deserves to go to the World Cup.
Now, he may have just received a huge boost.
Arsenal star Ben White receives surprise England boost ahead of 2022 World Cup
Ever since Mikel Arteta changed White’s position, his place in the England squad has been under threat.
When Southgate’s men faced Italy and Germany last month, the Three Lions manager decided to pick the likes of Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of White, which was really, really unfair.
Paul Merson claimed on Sportskeeda yesterday that the Arsenal number four will not make the England squad for the World Cup in Qatar because he plays at right-back. However, there’s a chance he may get the nod now.
Chelsea defender Reece James is a serious doubt for the World Cup due to a knee injury. The Guardian reveal that his injury is worse than what the Blues medical staff first expected, and he’s scheduled to meet a specialist soon.
If James is ruled out and Alexander-Arnold continues to struggle at right-back, Southgate will have no choice but to turn to the Arsenal man, who can not only play at right-back but also on the right side of the back three.
That will give Southgate plenty of options, but whether he’ll change his mind remains to be seen.
The Insider’s View:
We understand the argument that the likes of Maguire have never let Southgate down, which is why he’s constantly picked.
However, it really sends the wrong message to other players who perform at the highest level every single week to fulfil their dream of playing for their country on the biggest stage.
Maguire can’t get into the Manchester United side at the moment, while Alexander-Arnold is making terrible mistakes almost every time he steps on the pitch. White has been head and shoulders above both of them this season and deserves to go to the World Cup ahead of them.
It will be interesting to see what Southgate will do, but if James is out, Maguire and Alexander-Arnold get called up despite their shocking form and White gets snubbed again, serious questions will have to be asked.
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