White 'absolutely over the moon' at prospect of England recall
Ben White has made it clear he wants back into Thomas Tuchel's plans, declaring he would be 'absolutely over the moon' if handed a November call up for England.
The Arsenal right back assisted Gabriel Magalhaes for the second goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton, a result that also saw him reach 200 appearances for the club. Tuchel was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium to watch the performance.
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White missed England's most recent squad through a groin injury, but when asked directly whether he was eyeing a return for the next international break, he did not hold back. 'Yeah, definitely; it is an amazing feeling playing for England,' he said. 'It's like nothing else. If that does happen, I'll be absolutely over the moon.'
A difficult road back
White's push for an England recall comes after a torrid year with injuries. He sustained a significant MCL problem in Arsenal's 1-0 win at West Ham in May, a blow that ruled him out of both the Champions League final and the World Cup.
Speaking after the Everton win, White revealed just how instantly he knew the injury was serious. 'As soon as I did it, I knew. I have had little things like that before and I kind of digested it walking around the pitch,' he said. 'It was that quick, really. I knew that was going to be me for the season and I had a little cry on the way round. That was it, once I got in I was focused on trying to recover and get back.'
He added that the recovery process has been longer than people might assume. 'With that injury as well, it's not just three months, it's like, I still catch it now. It takes a long time, but it is all good now. It feels good.'
Reaching 200 games
White's assist against Everton also came in the match that saw him reach a personal milestone of 200 appearances for Arsenal. He reflected on the achievement and on his decision to stay at the club last summer despite reported interest from elsewhere, including Everton themselves.
'It's creeped up, creeped up slowly. It's amazing to play 200 games for this club,' he said. 'I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I think I had four years on the bounce at different teams. So to come here and be here this long, and play that many games, it's a really nice feeling. I literally trained every day over the summer. I didn't really have a break, that was my aim.'
With Jurrien Timber also fit, Arsenal now have both first choice right backs available simultaneously for the first time in some time. White believes that competition for places, rather than enforced rotation through injury, could bring the best out of both players. 'Now, it's a different moment. We can actually get some rest as well. I am sure you will see the best versions of each of us,' he said.
White was booed by sections of the Wembley crowd during his last England outing in March, a 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay in which he both scored and conceded a penalty. Whether Tuchel includes him in his next squad remains to be seen, but White has left no doubt about his own ambitions heading into the November international window.
