Thomas Tuchel reveals Ben White’s stance on England return following Arsenal star’s Three Lions boycott
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Arsenal defender Ben White is open to returning to the England squad after previously making himself unavailable following a well-documented dispute at the 2022 World Cup.
White, 26, has not featured for the Three Lions since leaving the Qatar camp early after a reported falling out with England assistant coach Steve Holland. Gareth Southgate later revealed that the defender had made it clear he did not want to be considered for selection under his management.
However, new England boss Tuchel, who took over in January, has since held discussions with White about a potential return and confirmed that the Arsenal star is now willing to be part of the national team setup once again.
Still, Tuchel has not named White in his first squad ahead of this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley, opting instead to pick Reece James, Kyle Walker and Tino Livramento as his options at right back.
Tuchel’s decision to leave out White comes after the Arsenal defender recently recovered from a knee injury that required surgery.
White missed 21 Arsenal games between November and February, but has made three sub appearances and one start for the Gunners since his return.
Ben White pictured on the bench for England during a game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
White left the World Cup prematurely and he has not represented the Three Lions since then
But new England boss Thomas Tuchel has said that White has made himself available again
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Tuchel said of White: ‘He’d love to be back in the squad. I just think it’s a bit too early now given the seriousness of the injury that he had.’
He added: ‘We are honoured speaking to him, speaking to Ben, delighted that he’s back on the bench. Now it’s just a question of getting more minutes, more rhythm. He wants to be back.’
Despite racking up 150 appearances for Arsenal since 2021, White has only won four England caps to date.
Since his last international appearance, White has twice helped Arsenal finish second in the Premier League.
Away from football, he married wife Milly Adams in the summer of 2023 and the couple have enjoyed multiple holidays during international breaks.
Though there was no space for White back in the England squad on this occasion, both Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford were handed returns by Tuchel.
Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly also named in the England senior squad for the first time, while Newcastle’s Dan Burn was handed his maiden call-up at the age of 32, as Mail Sport exclusively forecasted.
Rashford makes his return to the England fold for the first time in a year, with Aston Villa team-mate Ollie Watkins a notable absence.
White married wife Milly in June 2023 and they have since enjoyed multiple holidays together
Milly White, formerly Milly Adams, pictured sunning herself on their honeymoon in 2023
Elsewhere, Tuchel revealed how he received some Royal input from outside on his England squad before it was announced on Friday
The German has met Prince William twice since becoming Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor and insisted the pressure of his new job is a privilege.
‘I met His Royal Highness once at a match and had another meeting at Windsor Castle,’ Tuchel said. ‘The way he speaks, the emotional way he supports Arsenal – not Arsenal, Aston Villa – and the national team, is so impressive. It was so nice to speak with him about football.
‘He has strong opinions. He was pushing hard for the Aston Villa players, which was not needed because we admire them a lot.
‘It means a lot and it is something special that comes with the role. It’s a privilege and comes with a big responsibility.’
