Declan Rice, who recently became England’s captain, hopes to change Arsenal teammate Ben White’s mind about playing for the country

Declan Rice thinks that he can convince Ben White to make a return to the England squad.

Declan Rice, who recently became England’s captain, hopes to change Arsenal teammate Ben White’s mind about playing for the country

Declan Rice wants Ben White back in the England squad (Via IMAGO)

England are as good as it gets when it comes to having players at the highest level in club football. The Three Lions are stacked when it comes to midfielders and defenders. As Arsenal man Declan Rice prepares to captain the side on his 50th cap against Belgium, he has revealed his and his fellow Arsenal teammates’ plan that concerns Ben White.

It is no secret that Ben White, the Arsenal No.4, has the quality to play for Gareth Southgate‘s side. It was even reported that the latter wanted White in his team, but it was the player who refused. For reason(s) yet to be disclosed, White has opted out of playing for England. He is yet to make an appearance for the National team ever since he left the squad early during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

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He's a really unique player. He can play in three different positions. That's so important in tournaments. When I get back, I can have a conversation with him to see the ins and outs and see that he thinks. I'd love him to come. Hopefully, he changes his mind.
Declan Rice in a press conference ahead of the game vs Belgium

Rice also added that Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale will be behind him once they get back at the club. England take on Belgium on Tuesday before the players return to club action.

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Injury stricken England set to take on Belgium

As the 2024 European Championship edge all the more closer, England manager Gareth Southgate has a problem at his hands. The otherwise stacked squad of English players are now without a number of big names in the dressing room. The biggest of them all is Harry Kane, who suffered an ankle injury ahead of the international break.

Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker picked up an injury against Brazil just 20 minutes into the match (Via X/@brfootball)

Kyle Walker was forced off the pitch within twenty minutes from kick-off after picking up a muscle injury. Other big-name players include Reece James, Harry Maguire and Bukayo Saka. Backup keeper Sam Johnstone is a major doubt for the Euros after recently suffering an elbow injury. The incredible number of injuries forced Southgate to admit that he’s never faced such an injury crisis before in his career.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish and Luke Shaw are also not available for selection. However, all hope is not lost, as Southgate added that this is an opportunity for for other players to prove themselves. The injuries were more than evident in their display against Brazil, where they were ‘second-best’ to the visitors, who ended up winning 1-0.

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