Declan Rice Works To Bring Ben White Back To England Squad Ahead Of Euro 2024

Declan Rice, the newly appointed captain for England's upcoming friendly against Belgium, has expressed his intention to persuade Arsenal teammate Ben White to reconsider his decision of not playing for the national team. White, 26, has been a standout performer for Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, yet he has been absent from the England squad since the 2022 World Cup. His early departure from Qatar was attributed to personal reasons by the Football Association, amidst speculations of a disagreement with England's assistant Steve Holland—a claim that England manager Gareth Southgate has refuted.

Rice's leadership role comes at a pivotal moment as England prepares for Euro 2024. The midfielder is keen on having White, whose versatility as a defender has been crucial for Arsenal, back in the national setup. "When I go back, I'll speak to him and see," Rice shared with talkSPORT, highlighting the importance of White's potential return to the squad. Despite Southgate's recent squad announcement excluding White, Rice remains hopeful about convincing his teammate to make an international comeback.

White's contribution to Arsenal this season has not gone unnoticed, with his recent contract extension coinciding with his omission from the national team. Rice praised White's character and on-field versatility, suggesting that these qualities would greatly benefit England. Acknowledging the personal nature of White's decision, Rice emphasized respect for his teammate's stance while holding onto hope for a change of heart.

"It's Ben's life. It's Ben's decision," Rice stated, acknowledging the complexities surrounding White's situation with the national team. Despite the uncertainty and public speculation, Rice's admiration for White as both a person and a player shines through. He believes that representing England is an unparalleled honor and is optimistic about White's potential contributions to the team.

As England gears up for Euro 2024, Rice's efforts to include White in the squad underscore the importance of unity and talent within the team. With discussions between White and Southgate having taken place internally, the football community awaits any developments on this front. Rice's leadership and advocacy may yet play a crucial role in shaping England's squad composition as they aim for success at Euro 2024.