Thomas Tuchel reveals Ben White agreement with clear message to Arsenal amid injury return

Thomas Tuchel says Ben White has made himself available for England selection but his recent injury has kept him out of his first squad as Three Lions' boss.

The Arsenal defender has not been called up for his country since the World Cup squad in Qatar in 2022 after reportedly falling out with Gareth Southgate's assistant Steve Holland, returning home from the tournament for personal reasons.

In March last year, White reportedly asked to be left out of the squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

However, with Tuchel now in the hotseat with the Three Lions, White could be in line for a return to the international set-up in the future.

The former Chelsea boss explained that he had held talks with Arsenal regarding White's return from injury, after surgery on a knee joint injury back in November. The 27-year-old returned to the Arsenal bench against Leicester City, returning to action as a second-half substitute against West Ham United a week later.

He made his long awaited return to the starting XI in the Gunners' Champions League second leg clash with PSV at the Emirates earlier this week.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of friendlies against Albania and Latvia, Tuchel said: “He loves to be back in the squad.

“But it is just too early for him, given the seriousness of the injury he had. I'm delighted he's back, that he's back in back-to-back training sessions. Thanks to the medical department of the FA and at Arsenal to let us monitor him closely.

“Now it's just a question of getting more minutes and more rhythm and then he has every chance to be back. He wants to be back and is glad to be back.”