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Southampton forward Theo Walcott says Arsenal defender Ben White deserves a starting role at the 2022 World Cup.
Walcott believes White’s pace and confidence mean he should start for England in the competition. White was one of eight defenders named in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
White’s speed will be particularly key should England progress to the latter stages of the tournament, says Walcott, as reported by HITC.
Arsenal defender “so confident right now”
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Walcott, who spent 12 years at Arsenal, says White is booming with confidence right now. It comes as the Gunners head into the break sitting top of the Premier League.
Arsenal are five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the standings, having lost just one league game this season. They have won 12 games, as well as drawing one.
It remains to be seen what formation Southgate will choose in Qatar. The manager has changed between a back three and back four in recent times.
Walcott says the boss must include Arsenal’s White from the very start.
“I’d probably go for Stones as well,” said Walcott. “We all know what he is going to do. I would probably play someone like Ben White.
“My reason being is that he is at the top of the league. He is so confident right now.
“He is in the England squad and he deserves to be in there. And he can play on the right-hand side.
“But I think he’s a very good centre-back and he’s got pace. I feel like we need pace at the back, especially when you get further in this tournament.
“The quality of players you are going to be facing against says it all.”
— England (@England) November 16, 2022
Heavy competition for starting spots
There is, of course, fierce competition all over the pitch for England. And White will be part of the battle for limited defensive spots.
The defender is very capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, with his abilities in the latter there for all to see this season. He’s played every league game possible so far in that role.
The opportunity came amid an injury to fellow defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. But White’s displays have been so strong that the Japan international has been switched to left-back upon his return to action.
Such versatility has undoubtedly persuaded Southgate to select White for the World Cup. But he faces stern competition for a starting role centrally.
Despite a lack of club minutes, Harry Maguire is seemingly the preferred option for Southgate at centre-back. Manchester City’s John Stones and Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier will also be wanting a starting role.
Everton’s Conor Coady, who is enjoying a strong individual campaign for the Toffees, is also an option for Southgate.
Will Arsenal defender play at right-back?
Unfortunately for White, Kieran Trippier is also vying for a spot at right-back for England. The Newcastle man has been a standout for the Magpies this season.
Also in contention are Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Man City’s Kyle Walker. The latter could, however, be included in a centre-back trio, providing hope for White that he will get minutes at full-back.
But Trippier seems destined to fill the spot given his performances this season. Interestingly, Arsenal and Newcastle share the best defensive record in the current Premier League campaign, each with 11 goals conceded.
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