Speaking on the Sky Sports Football Podcast, Alan Smith has been discussing Ben White’s inclusion in the England World Cup squad.
The Arsenal centre-back is headed to Qatar this month as one of the Three Lions’ centre-back options, but Smith doesn’t think that White will be one of the stars of the tournament.
Indeed, the Sky pundit says that he wouldn’t be surprised one bit if White doesn’t kick a ball in Qatar.
WHITE WON’T PLAY
Smith says that it’s possible that White doesn’t get to play in Qatar.
“I don’t think he can force his way into the team if everyone is fit, but given his versatility, he can play at right-back, he’s a natural centre-half, has played in midfield. Those players can be very important but I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t kick a ball out in Qatar, but he might become an important player, you just never know,” Smith said.
BIG CHANCE
Smith is being a bit pessimistic about White’s chances of playing for England here.
Look at the England squad, White is probably the third-choice centre-back in this team – if you don’t count Kyle Walker. And with Walker being injured lately and Harry Maguire being in poor form, there’s every chance that White will be an important player in the back five.
Other than John Stones, White is probably in the best form of any England defender right now, and Southgate has picked him for a reason.
This isn’t a backline packed full of talent, and White may well get his chance to shine at the World Cup.
To be honest, we’d be very surprised if White is one of the players who goes unused throughout this entire tournament.
