Declan Rice, an Arsenal player, has stated that he will "speak to Ben White" when they return to the team in the hopes that, after discussing his future with Gareth Southgate, he may "change his mind on England."

 

After declaring he didn't want to be selected by the Three Lions, White has received a lot of support from the media. The defender stated he would not play, despite Southgate's suggestion that he would have chosen him based on his strong club play in his most recent squad.

The player has received a lot of criticism for his decision to not play for his country, but there has also been some positive feedback. However, there have also been rumours of tension with assistant coach Steve Holland.

In any event, it doesn't appear as though White will don an England shirt anytime soon unless he has a change of heart, even though he would have probably contributed against Brazil the last time out due to Kyle Walker's injury.
Rice, an Arsenal teammate, thinks there's a potential that happens and wants to discuss White's decision with the player when he returns to the team.

Ahead of England's upcoming match, Rice informed the media, "When I go back to Arsenal, I'll speak to Ben White... and hopefully he does change his mind on England."

It would be a fantastic complement to the team. However, Ben made this choice and it is his life.


The midfielder for the Three Lions further claims that White and Southgate have discussed his want to not be chosen.

“I know Ben and Gareth spoke internally about it… I just hope he changes his mind. He’s such a good guy, he’s an unbelievable footballer,” he added.
According to reports, the Arsenal defender went through his club’s sporting director, Edu, to inform Southgate of his decision.

As such, it’s not clear if he and the England boss have actually had a conversation about his reasons for not wanting to be picked, and the longevity of that decision.

Rice, who will captain the Three Lions on his 50th cap against Belgium, is already displaying the diplomacy that comes with captaincy by attempting to ensure a star player is on his side.

He has already been hailed as a leader at Arsenal, and will now have the chance to show his true leadership qualities on the biggest stage.

He has already received praise for his leadership at Arsenal, and now he will get the opportunity to demonstrate it on the biggest platform.