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Ben White handed World Cup selection boost with England

Ben White

Ben White

Arsenal defender Ben White has been handed a World Cup selection boost with England following injuries sustained by Kyle Walker and Reece James.

Manchester City’s Walker underwent a surgery for a groin problem earlier this month. He is now facing a race against time to make the World Cup squad on November 10.

There has been further bad news with Chelsea’s Reece James picking up a knee injury. There are growing fears that the setback could be more serious than initially predicted.

Losing Walker and James would be a huge blow for the Three Lions for the World Cup, but this could offer a surprise boost for White to be selected as a right-back.

In our view, White was unfairly ignored during the last international break by manager Gareth Southgate, but the £36 million star should now be knocking on the door.

Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier is obviously one of those that will be making the trip to Qatar and Southgate may only pick another right-back alongside him.

If Walker and James are sidelined, White should be the front-runner with his performances this campaign. He also provides versatility as he is a central defender too.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is nursing a minor injury at Liverpool, has been talked about as an option, but Southgate would be making a big mistake picking him.

Alexander-Arnold has not been himself this campaign and his defensive flaws have been fully capitalised upon.

Just last weekend, we saw Gabriel Martinelli outsmart him for two goals. If the Reds graduate is picked over White, it would be considered as favouritism from Southgate.

The Three Lions boss needs to select players on merit for the World Cup rather than focusing on past success.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is a ‘special case‘ for Southgate as he is due to make the squad despite his lack of minutes under Erik ten Hag this season.

Hopefully, the manager picks the rest of the players based on current form.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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