‘I am surprised’ – Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn questions Ben White’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad

NIGEL WINTERBURN has been left in disbelief that Gareth Southgate omitted Ben White from his latest England squad.

The Arsenal defender has starred this season under Mikel Arteta where he has started all seven Premier League games for the table-toppers.

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Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn has been left surprised by White failing to be included[/caption]

Despite being a natural centre-back, White has shown his versatility by fitting in at right-back due to the emerging partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel.

But his dazzling form wasn’t enough to convince Three Lions gaffer Southgate to include White in his last squad before the World Cup which kicks off in November.

And his absence in the team was felt on Friday night as England lost 1-0 to Italy in their Nations League clash at the San Siro.

The result means that England have been relegated from Nations League A regardless of whether they beat Germany on Monday.

Speaking to SunSport on behalf of FreeSuperTips prior to the Italy match, Arsenal legend Winterburn was asked if he was surprised by White being left out.

To which he said of the 24-year-old four-cap international: “I am surprised, but I never try to predict what England managers do with players.

“But I am surprised, he was initially in the last squad so if he was in the last England squad, I don’t understand why he wouldn’t be in this squad.

“Unless Gareth Southgate has left him out because he wants to look at other players.

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“Ben White hasn’t made that many appearances for England, so I would think he deserves a look in, so it’s a surprising decision to me.

“Especially when you see some of the players in that squad and the club form they’re currently producing.

“But we’ve seen this with Gareth Southgate, and I’ve spoken about it on different occasions when we talk about Jordan Pickford.

“People were criticising [Jordan] Pickford and saying he should be left out, but I’ve always said you’ve got to look at it from Gareth Southgate’s point of view.

“When he’s come in and played for England, he’s never done anything wrong so how do you leave him out?”

He added: “So, there is going to be a lot of debate over the next 10 days, especially if England don’t pick up their form in the next two games.

“England have dropped off a little bit in terms of performances and what we expect to see.

“It’s going to be interesting watching those games and the reaction of the supporters during and perhaps after.”