Arsenal icon warns Ben White over England ‘issue’ and backs star for resurgence

Former Arsenal right-back Lauren, a member of Arsene Wenger’s iconic Invincibles, has warned Ben White that not playing for England is an ‘issue’.

White openly refuses to play for his own country – and earlier this year – he was caught playing Uno on the beach on the same day that England lost to Brazil.

White hasn’t played for England since a nasty fall-out with Gareth Southgate’s No.2 Steve Holland at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite his obvious ability.

Southgate and Holland departed after the Three Lions lost the Euro 2024 final this summer – and it was thought that White may be subsequently reintroduced.

But interim boss Lee Carsley has confirmed that White’s stance has not changed and that he still does not wish to be considered for international selection.

That has worried Gunners hero Lauren, who told BonusCodeBets: ‘Ben White didn’t play for the national team.

‘When you play for the national team, more eyes will be on him. As an Arsenal fan, I would like him to just play all the games for Arsenal, but it is an issue not playing for the national team.’

Lauren backs Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli for a resurgence

Meanwhile, there has been debate over whether Leandro Trossard should replace Gabriel Martinelli in the Arsenal XI going forward.

Lauren is backing the latter player for a resurgence as he added: ‘First of all, I don’t think Martinelli had a bad season.

‘In the early stages, he was very good. Scored six goals in the league, two in the Champions League.

‘He played a brilliant game against Sevilla in the Champions League. He’s a player, when you play away from home, against opponents who isolate you in your own half, you need Martinelli in order to go on quick transitions going forward.

‘We’ve seen that many times, against Liverpool, against West Ham, against Chelsea. We’ve seen many instances of Martinelli scoring in transition.

‘I don’t think he had a bad season. Just in the middle and end of the season, Trossard was in better shape, scoring goals, moving between lines, connecting with Odegaard and Declan Rice. Getting in position and scoring goals. This is what you need – competitiveness among the squad. Martinelli and Trossard have raised the level of the team and I have no doubt that they’ll continue to do so.’