Ben White and his uncertain England future has become a big talking point again after he produced another impressive performance for Arsenal on Tuesday night.
The 26-year-old defender, who has been one of Arsenal's standout performers this season, continued his excellent run of form by scoring a brace against Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta's side moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after goals from Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz [2] and White [2] sealed an emphatic 5-0 win over Chelsea.
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And after the game, many called on England boss Gareth Southgate to take note of White's performance ahead of this summer's European Championship in Germany.
One fan said: "Surely Southgate needs to put pride aside and call Ben White again?" while another commented: "Southgate’s gotta some how get Ben white on that plane to Germany."
The former Brighton man, who has made 47 appearances in all competitions this season, did not feature for the Three Lions against Brazil and Belgium last month after he snubbed a call-up to the squad.
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That being said, Southgate did say the door was still open for the player to feature again, but insisted that White must make the first move if he wants to play at Euro 2024.
"It's really for Ben now," he said in a press conference. "Dec is obviously in a difficult situation you're asking him about a team-mate and he's going to be careful what he says. As I've said to you, the door is open for us.
"That's clearly difficult ahead of the Euros, where you've got players that have played all the way through but we have no idea of knowing who's going to be available in that area of the pitch.
"I respected the situation as Arsenal have contacted us. So in the end, I know the conversation I had with him last March. I felt I should back away from it a little bit. But I've always left the door open. I was keen to bring him in this camp."
As mentioned by Southgate, Rice addressed his Arsenal teammate's decision to turn down an England call-up.
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Speaking in a press conference alongside Southgate, the midfielder said: “I think the biggest thing is it’s Ben’s life, it’s Ben’s decision.
“Obviously people are going to have opinions, people are going to write stuff about it but ultimately he’s content with his decision. We had a few days off before we came here so I’m sure Gareth and him spoke in that period. So I don’t know the ins and outs of it.
“But all I can say is that I would love him to be here. Playing against him and now playing with him, seeing how he is. He is very quiet, keeps himself to himself but when he’s on the pitch, he’d do anything for his team to win."
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: England, Ben White, Gareth Southgate, Premier League
