Martin Keown has said on talkSPORT (10:15am, September 16, 2022) that Arsenal central defender Ben White will be “disappointed” that he could not get into the latest England squad.
Arsenal star White has not been included by England head coach Gareth Southgate in his latest Three Lions’ squad.
England will feature in the UEFA Nations League this month.
Arsenal legend Keown has pointed out that White, who cost the Gunners £50 million in transfer fees (Sky Sports), has been playing at right-back so far this season, which is perhaps a reason why he has not been picked.
Martin Keown on Arsenal’s Ben White
Keown said about White: “A little bit disappointed, but then Ben has played right-back since the start of the season. He has not been in his usual position.
“You could argue that he has actually lost his position as a central defender and has come out of there. That’s where Southgate would like to use him.”
Stepping up
In our view, Arsenal centre-back Ben White has to step up his game if he is to get into the England squad for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.
The defender has been brilliant for the Gunners since he joined, but Gabriel and William Saliba are now the preferred centre-back pairing for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
White is being deployed as a right-back.
And we know that England have enough right-backs.
If White is to play for England in Qatar, then he has to get back in central defence for Arsenal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
