Mikel Arteta claims Ben White has lots of reason to be selected as he insists he keeps motivating Gabriel Jesus to keep doing what he knows how to do best after the Brazilian was not called up as well.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that Gunners centre back Ben White has given every reason to be selected in England squad.
White was left out of the England squad ahead of the international break despite his performance with the club.
The omission of the center back has spark reaction by fans calling out the England manager for leaving the player and selecting a bench warmer.
Speaking ahead of the Premier league match against Brentford Mikel Arteta said White has given many reasons to be selected.
The English player has played a centre back and also played on the left back position for the Gunners this season, a player believe to help Southgate tactics.
“He’s played in both positions [centre-back and right-back], sometimes he’s been selected, sometimes not. I think to have versatile players that can play at the level that Ben can in both positions at central defender and fullback, it’s something that, in my opinion, any manager wants.
“Especially when you go to a tournament where a lot of things can happen. That’s Gareth Southgate’s decision and his coaching staff and what I can tell you is whenever Ben gets the call, he will be ready.
“Gareth picks the best team, the best squad that he believes in for now. It doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the case in November.
“The squad that they have available is just incredible and everything that we can do to help Ben, we are trying to do so. And I think Ben is giving a lot of reasons to be selected.
“When we are thinking about doing something to maximise the resources we have in the squad, to have some connection and other options to play the way we want to play, we have to have certainty that the player is happy to do so and that he feels capable to do that.
“If not, it is just a waste of time. So it has to go both ways, I have those discussions with Ben, he’s always been very open. I think he’s really enjoying playing in that position and that’s why he’s been doing so well. I think it’s great for him, at his age, to be involved in other positions.”
White is not the only inform player to be left of their National team squad ahead of the international break as Brazilian trio Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arteta says he didn’t know why Gabriel Jesus was left out but has to convince the player to continue with his impressive performance.
“I haven’t [been given a reason why]. What I have to do is try to convince the players that they have to continue to do that, put their heads down, accept the decision that is made by the coach of the national team and give them even more reason if necessary that they have to be selected.
“That’s the way the boys reacted and there’s nothing else to comment on.”
