Arsenal defender Ben White assisted Gabriel Magalhaes in the 2-0 win over Everton and now he's eyeing a return to the England international fold following a bright start to the season
Ben White
Ben White assisted and helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet vs Everton
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Ben White is relishing a clean slate - not only for Arsenal but for England, too. The all-action right-back was tipped for a summer transfer at the end of last season after sustaining a significant MCL injury that saw him cruelly miss both the Champions League final and the World Cup, respectively.
Saturday's opponents, Everton, were among his list of admirers but for White, leaving the Premier League champions was never truly an option. Instead, he preferred to train all summer and prove a point to his manager, Mikel Arteta.
White, who assisted Gabriel Magalhaes' back-post header in the 2-0 triumph over the Toffees, explained after racking up his 200th Gunners appearance: "It’s creeped up, creeped up slowly. It’s amazing to play 200 games for this club.
"I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I think I had four years on the bounce at different teams. So to come here and be here this long, and play that many games, it's a really nice feeling. I literally trained every day over the summer. I didn’t really have a break, that was my aim. With that injury as well, it’s not just three months, it’s like, I still catch it now. It takes a long time, but it is all good now. It feels good."
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For the first time in what feels like an eternity, Arsenal have both of their first-choice right-backs, White and Jurrien Timber, available.
The 29-year-old feels it could well prove to be a game-changer, not only for the Gunners but for both players, who have struggled to stay fit in recent seasons.
White explained: "Obviously it has been different, because either me or JT has been injured. It’s always been - you have to play, you have to play. Now, it’s a different moment. We can actually get some rest as well. I am sure you will see the best versions of each of us."
That could also bode well for England. Thomas Tuchel was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium and speaking after the match, White moved to clarify his stance on playing international football after missing out on England's latest squad due to a groin injury.
He said emphatically when asked if he's eyeing a November call-up: "Yeah, definitely; it is an amazing feeling playing for England. It’s like nothing else. If that does happen, I’ll be absolutely over the moon."
Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes
Ben White teed up Gabriel Magalhaes for Arsenal's second goal vs Everton
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White was booed on his Three Lions return in March when he netted and conceded a penalty in a 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium but he's made it abundantly clear he wants to be back in the fold.
Equally, he is also determined to put the devastating knee injury he picked up in May in his rear-view mirror, though he admits the blow took a huge mental toll.
The versatile defender continued: "It was tough. As soon as I did it [in 1-0 win at West Ham], I knew. I have had little things like that before and I kind of digested it walking around the pitch.
"It was that quick, really. I knew that was going to be me for the season and I had a little cry on the way round. That was it, once I got in I was focused on trying to recover and get back."