‘I just think’: Darren Bent has just made a big claim about £120k-a-week Arsenal man and Manchester United ace
TalkSPORT’s Darren Bent has claimed that Ben White must start ahead of Harry Maguire when England play Iran tomorrow afternoon.
The Three Lions open their campaign against Iran in what many deem is a must-win game for Gareth Southgate’s side.
The England boss has a number of selection headaches. Among them is who plays at centre-back. The ever reliable Harry Maguire is a favourite of Southgate’s. However, Ben White has been outstanding for Arsenal this season.
And according to Darren Bent, that means he simply has to start in the back four for the Three Lions.
“My two centre-halves are interesting because I’ve gone John Stones and Ben White. I’ve gone Ben White because he’s been brilliant for Arsenal. I know he’s been playing out of position.
“But he’s played every single minute of Arsenal’s Premier League games. We know he can play right-back or right of a three. But his form and how well he’s playing, I just think he warrants a place in the team,” Bent said.
White has come on leaps and bounds since making a £50m move from Brighton. He has been key for Mikel Arteta, playing both centrally and on the right side of the defence.
Our View: White won’t start but he is an option in a back three
There’s no chance the £120k-a-week Ben White gets the nod in a back four in the middle. But if Southgate opts to go with the back three, when White is the natural choice on the right of the three.
White has been superb for Arsenal all season and he looks a class act at times. He is suited to international football too, given his passing and calmness in possession.
Maguire will get the nod against Iran. But don’t count White out just yet, with the Arsenal man set to play some part at least.
