Declan Rice is aiming to change Arsenal team-mate Ben White's controversial England stance.

The Gunners record £105m signing is hoping to persuade colleague  to reverse his decsion never to play for his country again.

Defender White elected not to be involved in this month's friendlies and the 26-year-old has not featured in the England squad since the 2022 World Cup.

Rice, who will mark his 50th appearance for the national team by captaining England against Belgium on Tuesday evening at the national stadium, said: "Hopefully, with the quality he has and can bring to this side, we can bring him back in."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Rice said: "Ben is such a good guy and he is an unbelievable footballer.

"It is hard to know really what is going on but he has made his decision and he doesn't want to play for England at this moment in time."

Rice added: "Playing for England is the greatest honour you could ever have."

England boss Gareth Southgate said he was informed by Arsenal sporting director Edu that White did not want to be considered - but added he remained unsure as to why.

White left England's World Cup squad in Qatar for personal reasons, with reports saying he was unhappy and had fallen out with assistant coach Steve Holland.

However, Rice is bullish as to whether he can persuade Arsenal teammate to change his mind and make himself available for the Three Lions.

Meanwhile, Stevenage manager Steve Evans weighed in on the debate, giving a glowing character reference to White.

The tough Scot bossed White when the talented defender was on loan to Peterborough back in 2019.

In a wide-ranging interview with Nub News you can read here, Evans also said: "Ben brought a technical side to his game at Arsenal and they've improved them again. Wonderful, wonderful."