‘I really do’: Carragher makes prediction about PL man who Leeds were ‘desperate’ to sign

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Jamie Carragher has backed Ben White to play for England after being the ‘best defender’ in the Championship for Leeds United last season, as he told Sky Sports (14/09/20 at 8:05 pm)

After helping Leeds earn promotion to the Premier League, Carragher touched upon how the Yorkshire club were ‘desperate’ to sign him and says he can ‘really’ see him earn a national call if he can transcend his performances from the Championship to England’s top-flight.

Sky Sports reported in August that Brighton made it clear that they weren’t willing to sell their 22-year-old defender to the newly-promoted side because they saw them as direct rivals.

Carragher, who was a tough-tackling, smash-it-into-row-z type defender during his playing days, spoke highly about the quality White has with the ball at his feet.

“He was the best defender in the Championship for Leeds,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “Leeds were desperate to keep hold of him or buy him from Brighton.

“Watching him, it’s not just the defending. I mean on the ball. You talk about modern-day defenders, you have to come out from the back and play out from the back. Graham Potter and this Brighton team want to do that.

“But his range of passing, especially his long-passing is something which stood out in that Leeds team – I think he’s really good. If he gets anywhere close to the performances he gave for Leeds this season in the Premier League for Brighton then I think he will be knocking on England’s door, I really do.”

White made his Premier League debut on Monday night when his Brighton side suffered a home defeat to title contenders Chelsea.

Even though his side suffered a defeat, both White and his teammates put on a good showing, which bodes well for their chances going forward.

And given England’s lack of quality at the back, and Gareth Southgate’s need to find that player who can bring it out, White may find himself joining Kalvin Phillips in the Three Lions camp very soon.