Declan Rice joined Ben White at Arsenal after signing from West Ham in 2023
Declan Rice joined Ben White at Arsenal after signing from West Ham in 2023
Declan Rice has defended Arsenal team-mate Ben White after the defender was booed at Wembley during England's 2-1 win over Croatia on Thursday.
White, who came on as a substitute in the Nations League fixture, left the Three Lions' camp at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to return home for personal reasons.
He then made himself unavailable for selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate's reign.
White was also booed by some fans in March's 1-1 draw with Ukraine after returning to the squad under Thomas Tuchel.
"The incident with Ben was over five years ago, I don't know why it is still a conversation to be honest," Rice told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Knowing Ben, knowing the character he is, he has totally moved on from all of that.
"He always wears the shirt with pride and every time he puts on the shirt, he gives 100 percent.
"It shows his character. It is not easy being booed coming on at Wembley, but to show his mental strength to play the game and to play well, like he did in the previous months, is a real testament to him."
Rice also said that the players do not discuss the situation at all and that everybody has moved on, adding that White has "an exciting future ahead with this England squad".
Before the game, White said that people did not know the "full story" behind his departure from Qatar but that he still backed his decision.
Rice close to signing new Arsenal contract
Rice has also confirmed that he is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal.
BBC Sport first revealed the midfielder was set to sign a new long-term deal at Emirates Stadium on 7 October, and the 27-year-old, speaking before England's game against Spain on Sunday, said: "A new contract is hopefully on the horizon soon and I'm extremely lucky to be at a club like Arsenal where the manager shows me so much trust and team-mates who put so much energy in to me."
Rice's current deal expires in 2028 but the former West Ham star is now expected to extended his tenure in north London, having arrived from London Stadium in 2023 in a deal worth £105m.
The midfielder's new contract will put him alongside Bukayo Saka as Arsenal's top earner.
Rice has managed to avoid upheaval during his career and he believes that continuity has helped him to blossom.
"I've been extremely lucky I've managed to play at such a consistent level throughout my career. I always set myself targets, pushing for more," he said.
"I'm extremely Iucky not to have to worry about that stuff as it makes playing football far more easier."
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