Bukayo Saka & Aaron Ramsdale named in England squad as Ben White misses out

Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale have been named in the England squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, but defender Ben White misses out. 

It’s the last time we’ll see the Three Lions in action before the World Cup, with England’s first group game in Qatar taking place on 21 November against Iran. Later this month, Gareth Southgate’s side take on Germany and Italy as they attempt to salvage their Nations League campaign.

England endured a wretched summer as they failed to win any of their four opening Nations League games. While draws to Germany and Italy were acceptable, two defeats to Hungary – including a 4-0 battering on home soil – were nothing short of humiliating.

On Thursday, Southgate’s squad for their upcoming fixtures was revealed and two Arsenal players made the cut.

Bukayo Saka & Aaron Ramsdale named in England squad as Ben White misses out

Both Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka were named in Southgate’s 28-man squad but there wasn’t a place for Ben White.

White has functioned as a right-back for Mikel Arteta this season and has impressed in the unfamiliar role. Thus, many are surprised that White has been left out considering that Manchester United outcast Harry Maguire has been picked. Maguire has played a huge role for England in the past, but his confidence is shot and he looks a shell of the centre-back that enjoyed a stellar Euro 2020 at the heart of Southgate’s back three.

There’s a recall for Eric Dier off the back of his consistent displays over on the other side of north London, while Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori and John Stones were all selected over White.

As for the two Arsenal stars picked by Southgate, both should enjoy plenty of minutes during England’s two upcoming fixtures. Saka has always impressed for the Three Lions, while Jordan Pickford’s absence means there’s a spot up for grabs for Ramsdale to go and snatch.