Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice has pledged to engage in dialogue with his teammate, Ben White in an attempt to convince him to reverse his decision to withdraw from consideration for the England national team.
Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, had expressed interest in including White in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium as Euro 2024 draws closer.
However, White, through Arsenal’s sporting director Edu, conveyed his reluctance to be considered for selection.
While Southgate expressed uncertainty regarding White’s motives, he dismissed speculation of any rift between White and assistant coach Steve Holland.
Rice, who will lead England against Belgium, admitted to being uninformed about White’s decision but expressed his intention to address the matter upon his return to Arsenal.
“We had a few days off before we came away so I haven’t seen him,” said Rice of White’s England snub ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with Belgium on Tuesday night.
“When I go back I will speak to him and see, but hopefully he does change his mind on that.
“Because having a player like that in the squad who’s performing well in the Premier League, it’d be a great addition to the squad.”
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