Declan Rice gives his take on Ben White's decision to turn down England call-up

Declan Rice has addressed Arsenal teammate Ben White's decision to turn down an England call-up.

Earlier this month, England manager Gareth Southgate revealed that White asked to be left out of his 25-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

The 26-year-old defender, who has been in superb form for title contenders Arsenal this season, has not featured for his country since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

White's decision to snub a call-up has been a huge talking point throughout the international break, with plenty having their say on the matter, including talkSPORT presenter Jeff Stelling.

And now, Arsenal teammate Declan Rice has given his take on the matter.

Rice, who has been named captain for Tuesday's friendly against Belgium, says he will try and convince White to reconsider his decision – and even revealed plans to speak on their return to Arsenal.

Speaking in a press conference alongside Gareth Southgate, the midfielder made his stance clear.

“I think the biggest thing is it’s Ben’s life, it’s Ben’s decision," Rice said.

“Obviously people are going to have opinions, people are going to write stuff about it but ultimately 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. So 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."

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Rice continued: “I think he’s a really unique player because he can play three positions. In tournaments that’s so key. He can play centre-back, he can play right-back, he can play inverted full-back. So 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 [Saka] would. I think Aaron Ramsdale would.

“I think we’re all going to be on him when we get back to say …. hopefully, he can change his mind but I don’t know the ins and outs of that conversation. So there’s nothing much I can say on that.”

Image credit: Getty

The former West Ham midfielder, who has also been pivotal for Arsenal this season, went on to praise White's character.

“Playing for England, the greatest honour you could ever have. So hopefully, with the quality that he has and the quality he can bring to this side that we can get him back in," Rice added.

“But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what he thinks and at this moment in time, 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 such a good character.”