Gareth Southgate’s England departure could be excellent news for £50m Arsenal player

Add as preferred source on Google

After losing the final of Euro 2024 with Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Gareth Southgate has now announced his England departure.

102 games in charge over eight years, Southgate leaves behind a commendable legacy, someone who stood by Saka after his difficult penalty miss.

But ultimately Southgate wasn’t able to deliver the trophy that England fans have been craving for so long – one they’ve come incredibly close to delivering.

Both Saka and Rice looked understandably devastated when England lost to Spain on Sunday, two talents who came close to winning a Premier League and Euros double.

That being said, one Arsenal player has been sitting on the sidelines for England over the past few years, and we’re not talking about Aaron Ramsdale.

Arguably the best defender England have right now, Ben White has been on holiday during the Euros – not selected because of his fractious relationship with Southgate and Steve Holland.

That appeared to be a decision made on both ends – and is perhaps one that may be reassessed by England’s new boss.

Ben White is ready to unlock Bukayo Saka’s full potential for England

Right now, the likes of Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and even Mauricio Pochettino are being discussed among the top candidates for the England job.

And whoever is put in charge will surely make repairing England’s relationship with White an absolute priority.

READ MORE: Albert Sambi Lokonga appears to aim subtle dig at Arsenal after signing for Sevilla on loan

During the Euros, England struggled down their right-hand side.

Saka did an excellent ad hoc job as a right wing-back, but the situation was hardly ideal.

And in the final against Spain, when Saka returned to a more familiar position as a forward, Kyle Walker struggled.

The 34-year-old perhaps looked his age when unable to use his famous recovery pace to make up for his poor positioning.

And whilst White isn’t perfect, and Walker deserves respect for his performances in the past for England, the Arsenal defender is now a much better option.

If England had White at their disposal in Germany then not only would they have been stronger defensively, but they would have seen even more from Saka.

And with White (26) and Saka (22) still relatively early in their careers, there’s a lot of reason to be optimistic going forward, a duo who can lock down England’s right-hand side.

Of course, it remains to be seen if Arsenal’s £50m signing will return, but it would have to be deemed a surprise if he continued to shun his international chances.

All that being said, it seems as if Arsenal may be at risk of losing a young defender to Borussia Dortmund who is showing similar traits to White in his game.