Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed defender Ben White to fight his way back into the England squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.
White has not featured for England since leaving the 2022 World Cup early for what the FA described as “personal reasons.” He has also struggled for fitness this season, making just four appearances with Jurriën Timber preferred at right-back.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton, Arteta said: “It’s still a lot of months to go and in football everything can change one way or the other. If Ben wants to do that, if Thomas believes he is the right player to do so, I’m so happy for him.”
Arteta added that White will have “a lot of minutes and opportunities” at Arsenal to prove his form. He described the 28-year-old as “a top player” capable of driving the team forward when fit.