Paul Merson has suggested that Arsenal defender Ben White should have been selected by England after Gareth Southgate’s recent squad announcement, whilst he was left ‘shocked’ at Manchester United’s Luke Shaw getting the nod again.
The outspoken TV pundit added that he ‘wasn’t surprised’ by Harry Maguire’s selection, as some felt that White should have been picked ahead of the currently benched Manchester United star.
Erik ten Hag has opted to leave Maguire on the bench after their opening two defeats of the season, whilst White is being deployed at right-back by Mikel Arteta this term.
During his Premier League and Championship career so far, White has been used as a right-back, at centre-back, in the middle of the park and deployed in a back three.
Yet, despite his team sitting top of the Premier League table, and the player himself being in strong form, he hasn’t been picked by Southgate.
That was discussed by Merson and also former Crystal Palace striker, Clinton Morrison, who explained why White should have made the latest cut, as they told Sky Sports News (17/09/22 at 2:10 pm)
Merson stated: “Not with Harry Maguire I wasn’t (surprised he was selected). I think he plays a big part and the way they play with Gareth (Southgate).
“But I was shocked with the Luke Shaw one. The number of fullbacks we have in this country and talented fullbacks. But if Harry Maguire doesn’t get into the Man United team, come November, then it’s going to be a major worry for Gareth.
“In a way, he should have brought some players in he might have to go to. You can’t go three months without football, then play international football, especially in the heat they will play in.”
Then, former Crystal Palace striker Morrison asked: “Why not put Ben White? He has started well at Arsenal. I know he’s not playing as a centre-half, but he’s been playing as a right-back. He can play as a three, on that right-hand side and sit in front of the back four. We have seen him do it many a time at Leeds. So, I was surprised.
“If you’re not getting picked now, then surely you are thinking ‘I am not going to the World Cup’ because this is the last chance to go and impress.”
Merson added: “Sometimes that helps (being able to play multiple positions). He is playing in two positions now. When you are picking an England squad, if you are a utility person, then you have more of a chance of getting into the squad. White can play in three positions.”
HAS WHITE’S CHANCE GONE?
This is the final international break before the 2022 World Cup in November, so if you are fit and firing, yet not making this latest cut, then you probably have your work cut out to earn that golden ticket to Qatar.
Perhaps White has more of a chance than others because of how well he is playing and the wave his team are currently riding.
Added with that, he might get a helping hand by ten Hag because, if he continues to bench Maguire, then surely Southgate can’t pick him?
All in all, this is the greatest pressure Southgate’s been under since he was handed the keys to the Three Lions door.
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