Soccer-Rice hoping to persuade Arsenal team mate White to return to England fold

(Reuters) - Midfielder Declan Rice said he and other Arsenal players will try to persuade team mate Ben White to change his mind and make himself available for England duty.

England coach Gareth Southgate said the in-form Arsenal defender, who has not featured for England since leaving the World Cup camp in November 2022, had asked not to be considered for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

With the European Championship starting on June 14, Southgate had said it would be difficult to choose White over the players who have played for England in friendly games during the international break.