Mikel Arteta sends message to Gareth Southgate over glaring omission of Arsenal star

Mikel Arteta has hit back at Gareth Southgate’s decision not to take Ben White to the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

White has impressed early in the season, helping Arsenal to top the Premier League table after six games.

The centre-back has played all six Premier League games so far, and he was expected to be called up for England.

But Southgate has decided not to take the former Brighton star, with Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, John Stones and Fikayo Tomori taken as centre-backs for the Italy and Germany clashes.

There has been suggestion White has a niggling injury that has prevented the call-up, but Arteta responded to that claim by saying: “I haven’t (been given a reason).”

Speaking in more detail about the decision, Arteta added: “Gareth picks the best squad that he believes is for now. The squad he picked for November is incredible. Anything we can do to help Ben, we are trying to do.

“I think Ben is giving a lot of reasons to be selected. That’s all we can do.”

Speaking about what White can add to the England setup, Arteta added: “He has played in both positions and he has been selected sometimes and not.

“I think to have a versatile player to play at that level in both positions of central defender and full back is something that in my opinion any manager wants.

“Especially when you go to a tournament where a lot of things can happen. That’s Gareth’s decision and his coaching staff. Whenever he gets the call, he will be ready.

“I will have to convince the players to continue to put their heads down and accept the decision of their coaches to not join their national teams and give them even more reason that it is so evident that they have to be selected.”