Soccer-Arsenal boss Arteta backs White for place in England squad

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - August 5, 2022 Arsenal's Ben White celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

(Reuters) - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Ben White to make a late bid for a place in the England squad at this year's World Cup in Qatar, saying the defender is "ready to make that step."

White, who has played at right back for Arsenal this season, missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for England's Nations League fixtures in September, but his World Cup hopes have been boosted by an injury to Manchester City defender Kyle Walker.