And the Arsenal legend has also warned Manchester United outcast Harry Maguire he will be constantly 'analysed' in Qatar.
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With England kicking off their World Cup campaign on Monday against Iran, attention is turning to who Southgate will start at the back.
It remains to be seen whether the Three Lions gaffer will opt to name a back-three, four or five against Carlos Queiroz's men.
Versatile White - a natural centre-back - has started all 14 Premier League games at right-back to help the Gunners to the top of the table.
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His fine form saw him recalled back to the England fold after missing out on the previous squad.
And Winterburn believes his dazzling displays warrant him a place in the starting XI.
Speaking to talkSPORT on behalf of FreeSuperTips, he said: "On form I think he should be in there, but whether he will be is a completely different question.
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"I would suggest that it may depend on what system England go with. If it's a back five or back three however you perceive it, then I think he's got a fabulous chance of playing.
"He's someone that can play at full-back or play as a third centre-half. He's strong at bringing the ball out from the back and we know what he can bring to the team.
"There's a huge number of positions that he can take up for England, which is always a good thing, so we'll have to see what happens with the group games.
"We've also seen with Gareth Southgate that he's changed systems depending on who we've played.
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"He might go to a back-four and play with a more attacking full-back if he thinks we're going to have a lot of possession with the ball.
"Or if he thinks we'll have equal or less amounts of the ball then he'll go with a back five and make the team more solid.
"It's intriguing, but the one thing I was always adamant on is Ben White deserved to be in the squad."
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As for Maguire, it is believed that despite his limited game time for the Red Devils this season, he will continue to be relied upon by Southgate.
And Winterburn, who was capped twice by England, stated that the ex-Leicester man will be under the microscope when he plays at the World Cup.
He remarked: "I wouldn't think he's very happy at the moment not playing, I don't know any player who would be.
"You've got to make sure that your own form is right, and Maguire is going through a hugely difficult period.
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"It's difficult to then go and play for England when you're under the spotlight for Manchester United.
"Coming into this World Cup every single performance is going to be judged because he's going to play.
"I don't see any way that he doesn't play for Gareth Southgate, but everything he does is going to be analysed.
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"Southgate has put himself under huge pressure with certain comments on why certain players haven't gone and others have.
"The thing that we get at the end of it all, Southgate trusts certain players and Harry Maguire is clearly one of those players."