Thomas Tuchel reveals Ben White England recall feelings as Arsenal defender's intentions clear

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Arsenal defender Ben White "wants to be back" in the England squad.

The right-back has not featured for the Three Lions since leaving the 2022 World Cup squad early, with former boss Gareth Southgate previously claiming the 27-year-old had made himself unavailable for international duty. White's intentions may have now changed, however, with Tuchel now at the helm and leading England to the World Cup in 2026.

Speaking on Friday after naming his first England squad, Tuchel was asked if White’s absence from the squad was due to the player refusing a call-up. “Absolutely not," the former Chelsea boss said. "He loves to be back in the squad, I just think it’s a bit too early now for him given the seriousness of the injury that he had.

“I’m delighted that he’s back, he’s back now in back-to-back trainings, so we were monitoring the process. Huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA, and thanks to everyone at Arsenal for letting us monitor closely.

“So, we’re on it, I’m speaking to him, I was speaking to him at the Champions League match now. I think now it’s just a question about getting more minutes, getting more rhythm, and then he has every chance to be back, and he wants to be back, and is glad to be back.”

White has featured just 18 times for the Gunners this season, with a knee injury ruling him out for three months of the campaign. The defender is now back fit, however, and made his first start in the Champions League round of 16 second leg with PSV in midweek.

Since making his England debut against Austria in June 2021, White has made a further three appearances for the Three Lions. His final appearance came in March 2022 when England beat Côte d'Ivoire 3-0. He was part of the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but flew back home a day after England's 3-0 win against Wales.

White's teammates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice were among the 26 players selected for this month’s World Cup qualifiers at Wembley Stadium against Albania and Latvia. Tuchel has been using a 55-man long list and the England boss has rewarded Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, for his impressive performances since making his senior bow in September.

Towering Newcastle defender Dan Burn is the most surprising name in Tuchel’s squad having received his first call-up at the age of 32. Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford are the other uncapped players involved but have previously been selected by the senior team. Marcus Rashford returns to the international set-up having made a promising start to life on loan at Aston Villa after being sidelined at Manchester United.

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