Why Ben White was handed a last-minute starting berth for England at expense of John Stones

An explanation for a last-minute change to the England XI set to take on Switzerland this evening has been forthcoming online.

The change in question? The introduction of Arsenal defender Ben White.

Upon the Three Lions' initial line-up for Saturday's action at Wembley being unveiled, a 3-man central defensive unit saw Conor Coady and Marc Guehi joined by Manchester City star John Stones.

Just minutes before kick-off, however, the latter was pulled from the XI, owing to what has since been confirmed as an injury picked up during England's warm-up.

The aforementioned White, as a result, has been afforded his senior international bow:

Saliba steps up

White's last-minute inclusion in England's starting line-up this evening of course means that two Gunners defenders have now been handed their first-ever senior caps on the international stage over the course of the last 24 hours.

This comes after William Saliba, just days on from his 21st birthday, was honoured by France boss Didier Deschamps with his maiden appearance in the colours of Les Bleus.

After Raphael Varane picked up what was later described as ‘a small problem with his foot’ during the country's friendly meeting with Cote d'Ivoire on Friday night, Saliba was introduced in his place, a fitting reward for the youngster's form during an impressive loan stint with Olympique Marseille across the campaign to date.

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