Arsenal star Ben White is set to be rewarded for his fine form at the start of the season with a place in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad.
The 25-year-old has been one of the best performers for Mikel Arteta this season and his adaption to playing at right back is key to their assent to the top of the Premier League. White, who moved as an orthodox centre-back to the Emirates in 2021, hasn't played for his country since two friendlies in March.
He does have four caps to his name but hasn't played in a competitive match. White's inclusion in the 26-man squad is in place of Chelsea defender Reece James who was deemed too much of a risk following a knee injury sustained last month.
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White has played primarily as a centre-back and is also used to playing in a back three having excelled there for Brighton which could make him a more attractive prospect for Gareth Southgate, but his athleticism and fitness as a fullback also pose as great additions with worries over the fitness of Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is also expected to be in the squad for the winter tournament, report the Guardian.
Trippier appears the most natural fit for the wingback role, whilst Luke Shaw may well be the only natural left wingback chosen by Southgate due to an injury to Ben Chilwell. This opens up for White to play in the back three or even as a fullback in a four-man defence as well.
Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka is also expected to be in the squad and their inclusion highlights the progress made by Arteta's men this season.
White was included in Southgate's Euro 2020 squad but didn't play a single minute.
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