Theo Walcott has stated that he would start Arsenal defender Ben White at the 2022 World Cup for England because he has ‘got pace’, as he got talkSPORT.
If there is anyone better suited to talking about a player’s speed, then it’s Walcott because, during his heyday, he was one of the quickest players in the Premier League.
The now-Southampton star will be watching on from afar as Gareth Southgate’s side kick-off their World Cup campaign in Qatar by taking on Iran on Monday.
The first thing that needs to be asked is what formation will Southgate go for, given that he deploys a back four and a back three.
Well, Walcott made it clear that he would play a back four and partner the confident White alongside Manchester City star John Stones.
“I’d probably go for Stones as well,” said Walcott. “We all know what he is going to do. I would probably play someone like Ben White.
“My reason being is that he is at the top of the league. He is so confident right now. He is in the England squad and he deserves to be in there. And he can play on the right-hand side.
“But I think he’s a very good centre-back and he’s got pace. I feel like we need pace at the back, especially when you get further in this tournament. The quality of players you are going to be facing against says it all.”
WHITE DESERVES TO START AHEAD OF MAGUIRE
It probably won’t happen because Southgate is too blinded by picking Harry Maguire, but White does deserve to start ahead of the out-of-form Manchester United star.
The issue with Magure is, not only has he been error-prone for Manchester United, but England as well, including hardly playing during these last few months.
Meanwhile, over in north London, White is sitting at the top of the Premier League and, alongside Kieran Trippier, he has been one of the best-performing English defenders this season.
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