Ben White has said he would be "absolutely over the moon" to return to the England squad, after bringing up his 200th Arsenal appearance in Saturday's's 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

The defender, who set up Gabriel Magalhaes' back-post header in that victory, spoke after the match about a milestone he described as a surprise to reach.

'I wouldn't want to be anywhere else'

White told reporters that the tally had crept up on him. "It's amazing to play 200 games for this club," he said. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

He added that settling at one club had not always been the pattern earlier in his career, and that staying put for so long made the landmark feel special.

According to Football.London, Everton were among the sides who admired White, but he never seriously considered leaving the Premier League champions, preferring instead to spend the summer training and making his case to Mikel Arteta.

Sharing the load with Timber

Much of White's time at Arsenal has been shaped by alternating absences with Jurrien Timber, with one covering for the other. Now that both are available, White believes the change will benefit each of them.

"It's always been 'you have to play, you have to play'," he said, in comments carried by The Sun. "Now, it's a different moment. We can genuinely take a break, and you will see the finest versions of both of us."

England ambitions

Thomas Tuchel was at the Emirates for the Everton game. White missed the most recent England squad because of a groin problem, and when asked whether a November call-up is on his mind, he was clear.

"Yeah, definitely," he said. "Playing for England is an incredible feeling. It's like nothing else. Should that happen, I would be absolutely thrilled."

Football.London notes that White was booed on his last England outing in March, a 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay at Wembley in which he scored and conceded a penalty.

Injury in the past

He admitted the moment hit him hard, saying he knew immediately what had happened and had "a little cry" as he left the pitch.

He spent the summer training without a break and says the problem is now behind him, though he still feels it at times.

Arsenal return to action on Tuesday at Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup.

Photo: Arne Müseler via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, resized.