Ben White is aiming for a return to the England national team following a promising start to the current season with Arsenal. The 29-year-old right back, who was absent from England’s recent Nations League squads due to a groin injury and missed the last World Cup after suffering a knee injury, has made a strong case for selection. On Saturday, White provided his third league assist of the season by setting up Gabriel in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium, with England head coach Thomas Tuchel in attendance.
White expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of rejoining the national team for upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain next month, describing the experience of playing for England as unparalleled. His last appearance for the national team came in March during a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, ending an absence of over three years. However, White faced criticism from some fans who booed him upon his substitution and after scoring his first international goal in that match. The negative reaction stemmed from his refusal to play for England following his early departure from the 2022 World Cup for what the Football Association termed "personal reasons." White has not publicly detailed those circumstances and declined selection under Gareth Southgate, Tuchel’s predecessor.
At Arsenal, White has benefited from a rotational system alongside Jurriën Timber, who has also recovered from injury. This rotation is intended to maintain player freshness and performance levels, with White confident it will allow both to present their best form throughout the season.
In midfield, England’s Declan Rice was substituted during the match against Everton after appearing to experience discomfort in his right hamstring. Rice has been managing a lower-back and neural hamstring injury since the end of last season and was rested from recent international fixtures. Meanwhile, Martín Zubimendi, who featured prominently in midfield last season, has seen limited playing time this campaign with just 99 minutes in the league. Manager Mikel Arteta has opted to deploy Mikel Merino over Zubimendi in certain fixtures, likely due to Merino’s height advantage against Everton’s aerial threats. Zubimendi’s reduced role has attracted interest from other clubs, including Chelsea, whose head coach Xabi Alonso previously sought to sign him for Real Madrid. Zubimendi is expected to start in Arsenal’s upcoming Carabao Cup fixture against Fleetwood Town.
Elsewhere at Everton, winger Brennan Johnson has experienced a challenging start since joining the club, struggling to find confidence and contribute goals. During the recent match against Arsenal, Johnson touched the ball only ten times in 72 minutes, completing six passes without any dribbles, and was substituted for Tyler Dibling, a 20-year-old who showed greater involvement after coming on. Johnson has scored once for Everton, in the Carabao Cup, following a difficult half-season at Crystal Palace earlier in 2026. Johnson had previously demonstrated goal-scoring form with Tottenham two seasons ago when supported by a system favoring wide forwards.
Everton striker Thierno Barry also continues to face difficulties in an environment that some observers describe as isolating. Barry, 24, often operates without a strike partner and rarely can be rested due to a lack of alternatives, limiting his ability to develop away from matchday pressures. Despite missing notable chances in recent matches, he has scored six goals in ten appearances this season. Commentary on Everton’s squad suggests that the club’s failure to reinforce its attack during the summer transfer window has placed additional strain on young players like Barry and teammates Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George. The situation highlights ongoing challenges for Everton as they seek to improve results and player development.