White eyes England recall after 200th Arsenal appearance
Ben White has made it clear he wants back into Thomas Tuchel's England squad, declaring himself "definitely" interested in a November call up after reaching a personal milestone for Arsenal.
The right back assisted Gabriel Magalhaes for the second goal in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, a performance that also marked his 200th appearance for the club. Tuchel was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium to watch it unfold.
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White missed England's most recent squad due to a groin injury, but when asked directly about a potential return for the upcoming international window, he responded without hesitation. "Yeah, definitely; it is an amazing feeling playing for England," he said, as quoted by football.london. "It's like nothing else. If that does happen, I'll be absolutely over the moon."
A tough year to forget
White's push for international recognition comes after a difficult period. He sustained a significant MCL injury during the 1-0 win at West Ham in May, an injury that ruled him out of both the Champions League final and the World Cup.
He described the moment he suffered the injury in stark terms. "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. 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."
Despite the setback and reported interest from Everton in a summer move, White insisted leaving Arsenal was never something he considered. Instead, he used the break to work his way back to full fitness. "I literally trained every day over the summer. I didn't really have a break, that was my aim," he said. "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."
Competition at right back
White's return to full sharpness coincides with Jurrien Timber also being fit, giving Mikel Arteta both of his first choice right backs available at the same time for the first time in a long while.
White believes the competition for places can only be a positive. "Obviously it has been different, because either me or JT has been injured. It's always been, you have to play, you have to play. 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."
Having been booed by England supporters during a mixed outing against Uruguay in March, White now appears focused on rebuilding his international standing just as he has his club form. With Arsenal keeping him fit and firing, a recall from Tuchel in November is firmly within his sights.
