Ben White could be in line to feature for England in their opening World Cup group game after Kyle Walker was ruled out of the match.

Sky Sports News report that England and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker will be unavailable for their first match of the World Cup against Iran on Monday, with the defender reportedly set to be involved again after that fixture.

Walker’s absence presumably boosts the chances of Arsenal’s Ben White starting the match, given the similarity between the two players.

Both can play at right-back and at centre-back, and both can play as the right-centre-back in a back-three, having done so for club and country.

White’s second-to-last start for England was in that role against Switzerland in March, and he often played there for Brighton before joining Arsenal.

There are other options, with Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, and John Stones all available at centre-back and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier at right-back.

But Walker was the most likely starter if fit, so his unavailability certainly gives White a shot. That’s particularly true against Iran – England’s lowest-ranked group opponent by FIFA rankings.

White has been handed the number 21 shirt with England this tournament, and he’s looking to make his first appearance at a major international.

The 25-year-old was involved at Euro 2020 last summer, but he only made the bench, and only in a couple of group stage games.

For this tournament, the size of the bench has been increased to 15 players, meaning no one has to be left out. Assuming he’s fit, White will be in the England squad on Monday at the very least.