Mikel Arteta hopes Ben White’s fine form for Arsenal will see him rewarded with an England call-up this week.
Gareth Southgate is due to name his squad on Thursday ahead of friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast later this month.
White was part of England’s squad for Euro 2020 last summer after being called up to replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, but has not been part of the set up since.
The centre-back has performed well for Arsenal this season, justifying his £50million price tag, and Arteta hopes he will be back in Southgate’s plans.
“We are really happy with his performances, how he has adapted, what he brings to the team certainly,” Arteta said.
“Hopefully he can get rewarded, because the way he trains he looks at himself and the performance that he is having is certainly raising the attention of a lot of people.”
Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday night when they take on Liverpool. The Gunners have a near fully-fit squad, with only right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu a doubt due to a calf injury.
“We have been trying to push him, but with the handbrake a little bit because we don’t want to get another injury,” said Arteta.
Arsenal are in good form as they prepare to host Liverpool after winning all of their last five League games.
They are sat fourth in the table, one point ahead of Manchester United in fifth but with three games in hand.
The pressure is now on Arsenal to get over the line, but Arteta believes his young squad can handle it.
“Well, that’s the pressure of playing for this club, it’s to to be the best and we are not that yet,” said Arteta.
“So if the objective is that, it’s not a pressure it has to be a motivation, a challenge, and a clear understanding that the purpose to play for this club is only to be the best.
“What we have done so far means absolutely nothing, and I think everybody has to be encouraged and empowered by the possibility always to find ways to improve and get better.”
