There has been plenty of confusion to Arsenal defender Ben White being left out of the latest England squad by Gareth Southgate. Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent couldn't believe that out-of-form Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire had been selected over him, while Kevin Campbell said the "outstanding" White had "shown enough" to be in the 28-man squad.
Campbell also highlighted the fact that White has been playing in an unfamiliar role this season, starting all of Arsenal's games this term at right-back. He has looked comfortable in the position, with Arsenal conceding just four goals in five games before their defeat at Manchester United.
Southgate often switches between a three-at-the-back and four-at-the-back formation and therefore likes his players to be versatile, making White's absence from the squad even more surprising. The England boss often uses Kyle Walker as both a right-back and centre-back, while he's also played Bukayo Saka in various roles.
However, former Gunners centre-back Martin Keown believes White starting the season at right-back is actually the reason behind his selection snub. Across his four England caps, Southgate has used White predominantly as a centre-back, suggesting that's what he sees as his best position, and Keown thinks the 24-year-old not playing there for Arsenal may have cost him a spot in the squad.
“A little bit disappointed, but then Ben has played right-back since the start of the season," Keown told talkSPORT. "He has not been in his usual position.
“You could argue that he has actually lost his position as a central defender and has come out of there. That’s where Southgate would like to use him.”
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