Declan Rice has revealed that he will try to convince his Arsenal team-mate Ben White to return to the England fold.
head of england Gareth Southgate revealed earlier this month that Arsenal Director Edu had contacted him to tell him that White did not want to be considered for international selection.
This is due to his decision to leave the World Cup in Qatar in the winter of 2022 for “personal reasons” as he has not played for England since.
The 26-year-old has starred for Arsenal this season, where he is a key player for Mikel Artetawhose team tops the Premier League standings at the moment.
With his future in England looking bleak, White's team-mate Rice has admitted he will do everything he can to change his mind.
“When I get back I'll talk to him and see,” Rice told talkSPORT in a press conference.
“But I hope he changes his mind about it because having a player like that, in the team that is doing well in the Premier League, would be a great addition to the (England) team.”
White recently signed a new contract with Arsenal and has been praised for his versatility, being able to operate in the defensive line.
Reports emerged that White and England manager Steve Holland clashed in Qatar, causing the defender to leave the field.
“All I can say is that it's Ben's life. It's Ben's decision,” Rice added.
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“We can't discuss with him what he wants to do. Of course, there will always be people writing things and having their opinions on what they think.
“But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what he thinks and at the moment, he obviously doesn't want to play for England.
“I really hope he does (change his mind), because I see him every day, he is a very good character. For people who don't know, he is a very good character, very calm, very sensible.
“When he's on a football pitch he'll do anything to win, but I think also for England he can play as a centre-back and right-back, like inverted full-back. Now he's a really key tool we could have.
“So I hope he changes his mind. Obviously, right now, he doesn't feel like he wants that. So I think that's his decision.”
“I know and Gareth spoke internally about this. So I don't know much about the ins and outs but I just hope he changes his mind.
“If you know him as a person and as a player like I do, he's a good guy. He's a good guy and an incredible footballer.
“Playing for England is the greatest honor you can have. So hopefully, with the quality he has and the quality he can bring to this team, we can get him back.”
