MY ACCOUNT
England are dealing with a potential injury crisis at right-back ahead of the World Cup — but it could be good news for Ben White.
With Kyle Walker already a major doubt for the tournament in Qatar, issues for Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold this week have dealt a further blow to manager Gareth Southgate.
Arsenal defender White missed out on the last Three Lions squad but may just find himself back in the fold following his excellent form deputising at right-back for the Premier League leaders.
Ahead of the Gunners’ Europa League clash at Bodo/Glimt tonight, we assess whether their No4 could be the ideal man to step up at the World Cup.
Impressing on the right
William Saliba’s Arsenal breakthrough has been so impressive this season that White has been forced to shift to right-back.
The Frenchman is Mikel Arteta’s preferred partner to Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence as they sit top of the Premier League after nine games.
But rather than sulk, White has thrived in his new role and is quickly making the position his own.
The former Brighton ace’s ability on the ball allows him to slot into midfield alongside Thomas Partey when the Gunners are on the ball, much like Oleksandr Zinchenko does on the left.
Arteta said of his new right-back: “He has got the ability because he is so composed on the ball. And in the final third he is getting used to being more of a threat.
“He is picking the right moments to do that and it adds another weapon to the team.”
Fits like a glove
It can only be good news for England, who have been known to operate in multiple systems at major tournaments.
Southgate has settled on deploying three centre-backs in the run up to the World Cup, with Manchester City’s Walker slotting in on the right of the three for his country.
Given White now has experience operating at both right-back and centre-back, as well as having featured in a back three during his time at Brighton, it seems a role he looks well suited to fill.
That is certainly the opinion of his club boss, who recently talked up the defender’s World Cup credentials.
Arteta said: “Ben would be very comfortable playing on the right side of a back three, as well as in the middle.
“Or as a full-back. If you ask me if he is ready to make that step then the answer is yes. He is a very confident boy, he gives you absolutely everything, he is always available and he has the courage to play under real pressure.”
Comfortable on the ball
A key attribute needed to become a trusted man in Southgate’s defence is the ability to play out from the back.
That is one of the reasons why Harry Maguire features so regularly under the Three Lions boss.
For all his recent high-profile mistakes, one of the Manchester United captain’s best traits is his ability to bring the ball out of defence and progress play.
That is particularly important when under pressure against high-quality opposition at major tournaments and White’s performances in the Premier League this term suggest that will not be an issue for him.
The Poole native has completed 376 passes this season, ranking him in the top 20 defenders, while he has been dispossessed only once in nine games.
Lacking in attack
Though White is noticeably growing in his new role game by game, he is perhaps still some way off being able to offer the attacking output his esteemed international colleagues can.
Take James, who started both of England’s Nations League clashes last month, for example.
The Chelsea star, 22, is one of the best attacking full-backs in world football, with his pace, crossing and eye for goal a nightmare for defenders.
He has attempted 10 take-ons, 36, crosses and created nine chances in the league so far this season, beating White by some way in all three metrics,
That shows the Arsenal man is not going to be the swashbuckling player on the right some of his injury-hit team-mates are.
But 37-cap international Kieran Trippier remains available and in good form for Newcastle, meaning England would still have an attacking option in their ranks alongside White.
Time to earn his place
While Walker is the biggest doubt as he undergoes surgery for a groin injury, it remains to be seen whether Alexander-Arnold and James’ issues will threaten their participation at the World Cup.
But given England’s uncertainty in defence, there is certainly an opportunity for four-cap international White to stake his claim for a place regardless of their fitness.
Maguire had a wretched international break last month, is also currently injured and is unfavoured by club boss Erik ten Hag. Fikayo Tomori also dented his hopes of a call-up with a red card in AC Milan’s defeat to Chelsea in midweek.
Whether as a right-back or centre-back, it seems in-form White would be a very useful player for Southgate to have around at Qatar.
