‘I would love’ - Arsenal’s £105m man reveals plan to get Ben White back in England squad

Declan Rice has vowed to talk Ben White around about his international future when he returns to Arsenal later this week.

Gareth Southgate revealed ahead of England’s defeat to Brazil that the Gunners defender made himself unavailable for selection. White made the last of his four Three Lions caps in a 3-0 win over Ivory Coast two years ago.

The 26-year-old was part of the World Cup squad last season but failed to make an appearance and left midway through the tournament due to personal reasons. Reports of a rift with Steve Holland, Southgate’s No.2, were vehemently downplayed by the manager at a recent press conference.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Arsenal teammate Rice outlined why White would be an important player for England. He said: “Hopefully, he does change his mind because having a player like that in the squad who’s performing well in the Premier League would be a great addition.

“The only thing I can say is, it’s Ben’s life. It’s Ben’s decision. We can’t argue with him about what he wants to do. Of course, there’s always going to be people writing stuff, having their opinions on what they think. But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what he thinks and, at this moment in time, he doesn’t want to play for England.

“I hope he does (change his mind) because I see him every day (and) he is such a good character. For people that don’t know, (he is) such a good character, very composed, very level-headed. When he’s on a football pitch, he will do anything to win but also I think for England as well, he can play as a centre-back and at right-back, as in inverted full-back.

“Now he’s a key tool that we could have so I hope he changes his mind. Obviously, at this moment in time, he doesn’t feel like he wants that. So that I think is his decision. I know him and Gareth spoke internally about it. I don’t know too much of the ins and outs, but I just hope he changes his mind.”

Rice also revealed he plans on speaking to White when he returns to Arsenal duties ahead of the Manchester City clash this weekend. The midfielder added: “When I go back (to Arsenal) I'll speak to him and see. If you know him as a person and as a player like I do, he’s such a good guy and he’s an unbelievable footballer.

“Playing for England is the greatest honour you could ever have. So hopefully, with the quality that he has and the quality he can bring to this side, we can get him back in.”

“When I get back I can have a conversation with him and see the ins and outs and see what he thinks. I would love him to come. I think Bukayo (Saka) would. I think Aaron Ramsdale would. I think we’re all going to be on him when we get back.”