Football International

Declan Rice on mission to convince Ben White over England return

March 26, 2024
By Web Desk
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With the European Championship beginning on June 14, Southgate stated that preferring White over the players who have featured for England in friendly games during the international break will be a difficult ask. - Reuters

Midfielder Declan Rice, along with his Arsenal teammates, will urge Ben White to change his mind about availability for England’s national side.

The Arsenal defender, who has not played for England since exiting the World Cup camp in November 2022, had asked England coach Gareth Southgate to not consider him for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

With the European Championship beginning on June 14, Southgate stated that preferring White over the players who have featured for England in friendly games during the international break will be a difficult ask.

"[White] is a really unique player because he can play three positions," Rice told reporters ahead of England's match against Belgium later on Tuesday.

"In tournaments that's so key. He can play centre-back, he can play right-back, he can play inverted full-back.

"When I get back I can have a conversation with him and see the ins and outs and see what he thinks. I would love him to come. I think Bukayo (Saka) would. I think Aaron ­Ramsdale would.

"We're all going to be on him when we get back (at Arsenal after the international break). Hopefully he can change his mind."

The 26-year-old came back early from Qatar due to personal reasons, according to the England Football Association. However, later reports emerged of his alleged clash with England assistant Steve Holland but Southgate has denied those claims.