Mikel Arteta has fired a message to Ben White ahead of the clash vs Man City (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta has hailed Ben White and insists he has ‘the character of a fighter’ after he was snubbed by England boss Gareth Southgate yet again.
Southgate named his squad to face Australia in a friendly on October 13 and Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier on October 17 this week but White was not included.
White has not featured for England since he was sent home early from the 2022 World Cup amid an alleged fall-out with assistant manager Steve Holland.
The 25-year-old impressed last term for the Gunners and was a key player in their Premier League title challenge, with Arsenal legend Ray Parlour naming White as the club’s biggest unsung hero.
His strong performances have followed into this season and the north Londoners are thought to be plotting a new long-term deal for the defender.
Arsenal manager Arteta, asked how he felt about White’s performances this season and if he was surprised by his latest England omission, said: ‘I’m really happy with Ben.
‘He’s been a consistent player for us, he’s always been available for us. He’s developed in a great way as a centre-back and especially as a full-back because there were some question marks as well.
Arsenal are plotting a new long-term deal for defender Ben White (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s got the character of a fighter, a character that is needed in the squad, especially at this level. I’m really happy to have him.’
Arsenal, meanwhile, host Premier League title rivals Manchester City on Sunday and Arteta has played down comments that it is a season-defining game.
‘It would be a big boost energy and confidence-wise but apart from that and the three points – nothing else,’ Arteta added. ‘One thing for certain is we’re going to have to be at our best in every department for 100 minutes. Then we have a chance.
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‘Every year we have new players and new tools that can surprise each other. We expect certain things from each other but at the end it’s down to the players and these are the ones who surprise you the most.
‘[Beating Man City in the Community Shield] was an important one for us.
‘Winning a title against Man City is something you always have to value, the way we did it as well. It gives us confidence and belief that we can beat them.’
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