Arsenal star Ben White will have one clear preference over who replaces Gareth Southgate for England

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Arsenal defender Ben White was not part of the England squad which reached the final of Euro 2024, after a dramatic saga.

White has been outstanding for Arsenal over the last three seasons, at both centre-back and right-back and arguably could have started for England this summer given the poor performances of Kyle Walker.

However, in recent months, it emerged that refused a call-up from Gareth Southgate, following a surprise return home during the 2022 World Cup.

It was revealed that a fallout between White and one of Southgate’s staff members Steve Holland, had broken the relationship between the Arsenal defender and England’s coaching team.

White therefore missed the tournament, but with Southgate now announcing his departure following England’s defeat to Spain in the final, the door could now be open for him to return, but the choice over Southgate’s replacement could be crucial in this.

Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager, Arsenal’s Ben White could benefit

Southgate has stepped down from his role, and according to Sky Sports, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino are amongst the candidates being considered as his replacement.

With White’s refusal of a call-up a result of his fallout with Southgate and his staff, rather than a lack of desire to play for England, the next manager may be very keen on reintegrating him into the squad.

Out of all the candidates being considered, it seems likely that White’s preference would be for Potter to take the reigns as England boss.

Ben White could work with Graham Potter again for England National team

White joined Arsenal from Brighton in 2021, after an outstanding first Premier League campaign under Potter.

Brighton finished 16th but laid the foundations to build an attacking side, and White himself had an excellent individual campaign under Potter, at centre-back, right wing-back and even in midfield.

Speaking after White joined Arsenal, Potter praised White’s quality as a promising talent, and he has since developed into a top-class player.

“He’s been fantastic – his journey as a footballer. From the academy with us to Newport, then Peterborough, then Leeds was fantastic for him,” Potter stated

“Then a year in the Premier League and to get a move to Arsenal with the fee is a great achievement for him and the club.”

A few months later, White returned to Brighton for the first time as Arsenal drew 0-0 at the Amex Stadium, and ahead of the clash, Potter praised White again.

“Ben’s a resilient character,” Potter claimed.

‘He’s a fantastic footballer and a great guy – we all love him here. So, apart from obviously this weekend, we wish him well. And I’m sure he will do well.”

If Potter is selected as the England manager, he would likely want White in either as a right centre-back in a back three, a right-back to link up with Bukayo Saka in a four, or even a centre-back in a back four, and the Arsenal star will give him a lot more tactical flexibility than England’s other options.