Rice hopes to convince Arsenal team-mate White to make England U-turn

Declan Rice is hoping to convince Arsenal team-mate Ben White to make an international U-turn and become available to play for England.

White has starred for the Premier League leaders this season but has not featured in the national team squad since the 2022 World Cup.

The 26-year-old returned early from Qatar for what the Football Association called “personal reasons” and reports later emerged of an alleged bust-up with England assistant Steve Holland.

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The Soccer Saturday panel discuss Ben White’s decision to make himself unavailable for England selection

England manager Gareth Southgate denied any such fall-out when he announced his squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month and revealed that White did not want to be selected by England at the moment.

White’s Arsenal team-mate Rice will captain England at Wembley on Tuesday against Belgium in the final friendly before the manager picks his 23-man squad for Euro 2024 – and then will set about convincing White with the help of his fellow Arsenal team-mates to change his mind.

Rice said: “When I get back I can have a conversation with him [White] and see the ins and outs and see what he thinks.

“I would love him to come. I think Bukayo (Saka) would. I think Aaron Ramsdale would. I think we’re all going to be on him when we get back to say… hopefully, he can change his mind but I don’t know the ins and outs of that conversation.”

Rice, who will earn his 50th England cap on Tuesday night, added: “The only thing I can say is, it’s Ben’s life. It’s Ben’s decision.

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Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett takes a closer look at Ben White’s request to be left out of the latest England squad and what that may mean for his international future

“We can’t argue with him with what he wants to do. Of course, there’s always going to be people writing stuff, having their opinions on what they think.

“But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what he thinks and at this moment in time, he obviously doesn’t want to play for England.

“I really hope he does (change his mind), because I see him every day, he is such a good character. For people that don’t know, such a good character, very composed, very level-headed.

“When he’s on a football pitch, he will do anything to win but also I think for England as well, he can play as a centre-back and at right-back, as in inverted full-back. Now he’s a really key tool that we could have.

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Declan Rice says he was left ‘speechless’ after being named captain for England’s friendly against Belgium at Wembley

“So I hope he changes his mind. Obviously, at this moment in time, he doesn’t feel like he wants that. So that I think is his decision.

“I know him and Gareth spoke internally about it. So I don’t know too much of the ins and outs, but I just hope he changes his mind.

“If you know him as a person and as a player like I do, he’s such a good guy. He’s such a good guy and he’s an unbelievable footballer.

“Playing for England is the greatest honour you could ever have. So hopefully, with the quality that he has and the quality he can bring to this side, we can get him back in.”

When will Southgate name his Euros squad?

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Gareth Southgate says Declan Rice can step up and show his leadership qualities when he captains England against Belgium

This is the final England game before Southgate names his squad longlist for the Euros on Tuesday May 21 – two days after the Premier League season ends. England then play two more international friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 3 and Iceland at Wembley on June 7 before Southgate’s final 23-player squad has to be confirmed by Sunday June 8.

The tournament starts on Friday June 14 with England’s first game in Germany against Serbia on Saturday June 15.

Southgate also confirmed Jude Bellingham would be fit to play, with the star midfielder struggling with cramp against Brazil.

What’s next for England?

England host Belgium in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday in a 7.45pm kick-off.

Gareth Southgate is set to name a preliminary England squad for Euro 2024 on Tuesday May 21 – two days after the Premier League season ends.

England then play two more international friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 3 and Iceland at Wembley on June 7 before Southgate’s final 23-player squad has to be confirmed by Sunday June 8.

The tournament starts on Friday June 14 with England’s first game in Germany against Serbia on Saturday June 15.

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Man City hopeful Walker will be back for title showdown with Arsenal

Kyle Walker is expected to recover from injury in time for Man City’s huge match against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday – live on Sky Sports.

The defender suffered a hamstring injury playing for England in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley and was forced off after 20 minutes clutching the back of his left leg.


Sunday 31st March 4:00pm


Kick off 4:30pm

Sky Sports Premier League HD
Sky Sports Premier League HD

However, the issue is not thought to be too serious and City are hopeful he will be available for Sunday’s crucial Premier League game at the Etihad, with leaders Arsenal one point ahead in the table.

The initial diagnosis suggested a tight hamstring rather than a strain, but his progress will be monitored over the coming days.

Walker, who captained England at Wembley, left the national team camp on Monday to return to City.

Pep Guardiola will be hoping his deputy captain can return to full fitness quickly ahead of an important month of fixtures which sees City play in three competitions as they go in search of a double treble.

Arsenal (h) – Premier League – Sunday March 31

Aston Villa (h) – Premier League – Wednesday April 3

Crystal Palace (a) – Premier League – Saturday April 6

Real Madrid (a) – Champions League – Tuesday April 9

Luton Town (h) – Premier League – Saturday April 13

Real Madrid (h) – Champions League – Wednesday April 17

Chelsea (n) – FA Cup – Saturday April 20

Cole inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

The former England international, widely regarded as the best left-back in Premier League history, won three titles across a 15-year career in the top-flight.

Cole, the 22nd inductee into the Hall of Fame, was part of Arsenal’s famous Invincibles that won the title in 2003/04, still the only side in league history to go unbeaten for a whole season.

Ashley Cole has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame
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Cole won three titles across a 15-year career in the Premier League

Having come through Arsenal’s academy, Cole signed for Chelsea in 2006 and won his third Premier League title in 2009/10 as Carlo Ancelotti’s side scored a then-record 103 goals.

“I’m honoured to join the Premier League Hall of Fame. It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career,” said Cole.

“I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. You take it day by day and game by game. As a young kid, you never dream of any of this and you just do it for the love of the game of football.

“I played for some fantastic clubs with incredible fans. Winning trophies with my boyhood club Arsenal and with Chelsea are amazing memories that will always be with me.

“It’s emotional to reflect because a lot of hard work has been put in. To join the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand, I’m privileged to be in their company.”

Cole finished his Premier League career with a win rate of 62 per cent, keeping 147 clean sheets in 385 appearances. The full-back also scored 15 goals and provided 31 assists.

Premier League Hall of Fame inductees

  • Alan Shearer (2021)
  • Thierry Henry (2021)
  • Eric Cantona (2021)
  • Roy Keane (2021)
  • David Beckham (2021)
  • Dennis Bergkamp (2021)
  • Frank Lampard (2021)
  • Steven Gerrard (2021)
  • Patrick Vieira (2022)
  • Wayne Rooney (2022)
  • Ian Wright (2022)
  • Peter Schmeichel (2022)
  • Paul Scholes (2022)
  • Didier Drogba (2022)
  • Vincent Kompany (2022)
  • Sergio Aguero (2022)
  • Sir Alex Ferguson (2023)
  • Arsene Wenger (2023)
  • Rio Ferdinand (2023)
  • Petr Cech (2023)
  • Tony Adams (2023)
  • Ashley Cole (2024)

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “If you ask people for the best full-back in Premier League history, many of them would name Ashley Cole. He excelled for title-winning Arsenal and Chelsea sides and helped to redefine the position thanks to his defensive and attacking qualities.

“After breaking through as a youngster at Arsenal, he will always be remembered as part of the iconic ‘Invincibles’ team, whose achievements remain unprecedented to this day.

“He continued his winning ways at Chelsea, forming a key part of one of the highest-scoring sides we have ever seen, and we are delighted to welcome him as the latest inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame.”

The stats behind Cole’s magnificent PL career

  • Ashley Cole made 385 Premier League appearances between 2000 and 2014, winning three Premier League titles – two with Arsenal (2001/02, 2003/04) and one with Chelsea (2009/10).
  • He was directly involved in 46 goals from left-back – only two defenders had more goals and assists combined during the same time period, while only Leighton Baines assisted more goals.
  • Only three defenders registered more than Cole’s 147 clean sheets (John Terry, Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand) between his first and last appearances, while it was the most of any full-back in that time.
  • During his time at Chelsea between 2006/07 and 2013/14, Cole ranked in the top-five for chances created, (overall and in open play) tackles and successful passes (overall and in the opposition half) among Premier League defenders.

Papers: Arsenal eyeing Gibbs-White bid

The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday’s newspapers…

DAILY STAR ON SUNDAY

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Morgan Gibbs-White as Nottingham Forest weigh up cashing in on their star man.

Barcelona believe they can pick up Manchester City’s full-back Joao Cancelo for as little as £20m in the summer.

THE SUN ON SUNDAY

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is a £75m target for Real Madrid.

Roberto De Zerbi is emerging as the top alternative to Xabi Alonso as Liverpool’s next manager.

Mercedes are pursuing Fernando Alonso to replace Lewis Hamilton, according to reports.

Sheffield United face having to pay back £10m pumped into the club by a Nigerian businessman who failed to buy the Premier League strugglers last year.

Atletico Madrid have been left stunned by Manchester United’s “outrageous” asking price for Mason Greenwood, according to reports.

SUNDAY MIRROR

A plan to float Etihad Airways on the stock exchange could be good news for Manchester City in their bid to beat the 115 Premier League charges hanging over the club.

Mercedes supremo Toto Wolff is ready to swoop if he thinks there is even the slightest chance of Max Verstappen quitting Red Bull.

Real Madrid have put a host of Premier League teams on red alert – with Brazilian winger Rodrygo potentially up for sale.

Italian clubs have turned attention to the Championship in a bid to find the next Jude Bellingham.

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Manchester United have reportedly identified nine potential candidates to replace manager Erik ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag believes injuries have derailed Man Utd
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Erik ten Hag remains under pressure to keep his job at Man Utd

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted that the club do not need to sell any of their stars despite their financial issues.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

England’s 2026 World Cup kit will be subject to a new Football Association vetting process amid the backlash to the multicoloured St George Cross on their jersey for this summer’s European Championship.

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Live on Sky in April: Liverpool’s trips to Man Utd & Everton plus NLD

Liverpool will visit Manchester United and Merseyside rivals Everton while Tottenham host Arsenal in the North London derby all exclusively live on Sky Sports in April.

An exhilarating race for the Premier League title continues on Sky Sports in April with league leaders Liverpool heading to Manchester United – Jurgen Klopp’s final visit to Old Trafford as Reds boss in the Premier League – on Sunday April 7; kick-off 3.30pm.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United

Liverpool, who are locked in a battle at the top of the table with Man City and Arsenal, were held to a 0-0 draw by United at Anfield in December and the latest chapter in their rivalry could end up playing a significant part in where the trophy resides at the end of May.

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, kick-off 2pm, and Arsenal vs Aston Villa, kick-off 4.30pm, form a Super Sunday double header on April 14.

Man Utd head to Bournemouth on April 13 for Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports with kick-off at 5.30pm.

Liverpool are then in action on Sky Sports at Fulham on Sunday April 21, kick-off 4.30pm, before heading to Goodison Park three days later to face Everton on Wednesday April 24 with kick-off at 8pm.

Arsenal‘s bid to win the title sees them travel to Brighton on Saturday Night Football on April 6, kick-off 5.30pm, ahead of that game against Champions League chasing Aston Villa on Sunday April 14.

Mikel Arteta’s side then visits Wolves on Saturday April 20, kick-off 7.30pm, before ending the month with the north London derby at Tottenham on Sunday April 28, kick-off 2pm.

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Highlights from Aston Villa’s match against Arsenal in the Premier League

Manchester City‘s title bid sees them head to Brighton on Thursday April 25, kick-off 8pm, before visiting Nottingham Forest three days later on Sunday April 28, kick-off 4.30pm.

On April 8, Tottenham host Nottingham Forest on Monday Night Football, kick-off 8pm. Forest then head to relegation rivals Everton for a huge six-pointer on Sunday April 21, kick-off 1.30pm.

Everton’s survival mission will have already featured in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on April 15 for Monday Night Football, kick-off 8pm, before ending their month with a Saturday Night Football slot at home to Brentford on April 27, kick-off 5.30pm.

Bournemouth vs Man Utd,

Upcoming Premier League games live on Sky…

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The Soccer Saturday panel look at the remaining fixtures to assess who will win the Premier League title

Saturday March 30

Aston Villa vs Wolves, kick-off 5.30pm

Brentford vs Manchester United, kick-off 8pm

Sunday March 31

Liverpool vs Brighton, kick-off 2pm

Manchester City vs Arsenal, kick-off 4.30pm

Saturday April 6

Brighton vs Arsenal, kick-off 5.30pm

Sunday April 7

Manchester United vs Liverpool, kick-off 3.30pm

Monday April 8

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest, kick-off 8pm

Saturday April 13

Bournemouth vs Man Utd, kick-off 5.30pm

Sunday April 14

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, kick-off 2pm

Arsenal vs Aston Villa, kick-off 4.30pm

Monday April 15

Chelsea vs Everton, kick-off 8pm

Saturday April 20

Wolves vs Arsenal, kick-off 7.30pm

Sunday April 21

Everton vs Nottingham Forest, kick-off 1.30pm

Fulham vs Liverpool, kick-off 4.30pm

Wednesday April 24

Everton vs Liverpool, kick-off 8pm

Thursday April 25

Brighton vs Man City, kick-off 8pm**

Saturday April 27

Everton vs Brentford, kick-off 5.30pm***

Sunday April 28

Tottenham vs Arsenal, kick-off 2pm****

Nottingham Forest vs Man City, kick-off 4.30pm*****

*This fixture is set to be moved due to Aston Villa’s involvement in the UEFA Conference League

**This fixture will move to Wednesday April 24, kick-off 8pm, should Man City be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tuesday April 30

***This fixture will move to Sunday April 28, kick-off 4.30pm, should Man City be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tuesday April 30

****This fixture will move to Saturday April 27, kick-off 12.30pm, should Arsenal be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tuesday April 30

*****This fixture will move to Saturday April 27, kick-off 5.30pm, should Man City be scheduled to play in the Champions League on Tuesday April 30

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