Ben White: Declan Rice hoping to convince Arsenal team-mate to reconsider England snub - ‘I'd love him to be here’

New England captain Declan Rice has said he hopes to be able to convince Arsenal team-mate Ben White to return to international duty.

White, 26, hasn’t featured for England since leaving the team during the 2022 World Cup and rejected a call-up for the March international break ahead of Euro 2024 in the summer.

Rice has been named captain for the game against Belgium on Tuesday with Harry Kane injured, and speaking before the game, he said he hoped to have a talk with White when he was back at Arsenal.

“He’s a really unique player because he can play three positions," Rice said.

“In tournaments that’s so key. He can play centre-back, he can play right-back, he can play inverted full-back.

“When I get back, I can have a conversation with him and see the ins and outs and see what he thinks.

"I would love him to come. I think Bukayo would. I think Aaron Ramsdale would. I think we’re all going to be on him when we get back. Hopefully, he can change his mind.

“I think the biggest thing is it’s Ben’s life, it’s Ben’s decision. Obviously, people are going to have opinions, people are going to write stuff, but he’s content with his decision. We had a few days off before we came here, so I’m sure Gareth and him spoke in that period.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of it, but all I can say is that I would love him to be here. Playing against him and now playing with him, seeing how he is, he is very quiet, keeps himself to himself, but when he’s on the pitch he’d do anything for his team to win.”

On being the captain, Rice said it was a “pinch-me” moment for him in his career.

"On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it is a great honour - I'm a bit speechless.

"It is a pinch-me moment, it will be an honour. I was absolutely lost for words when [manager Gareth Southgate] said to me I was going to be captain.

"I have grown so much as a player and person since I first came into the group.

"As time has gone on, I've played more big games, more games at major tournaments. I have enjoyed every moment."

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