Thomas Tuchel has handed Ben White an England recall, ending the defender's self-imposed exile that began during the 2022 World Cup. The Arsenal right-back has been included in the squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan after Jarell Quansah withdrew through injury. Tuchel had wanted to involve White since naming his first squad last March but was prevented by the player's injury problems and personal circumstances.
White's last involvement with England came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he left the camp early and has not been available for selection since. His relationship with former assistant coach Steve Holland was cited as a factor, with White reportedly unhappy with the management style. He also made himself unavailable during Lee Carsley's interim tenure, which ended in 2024.
Tuchel's approach has been markedly different. After taking charge, he reached out to White's camp and found a receptive audience. When White and his wife had a baby last June, Tuchel told him to prioritise family over international duty. The manager also waited until White was fully recovered from a serious knee injury before considering a call-up.
White, 28, has only four England caps but is a regular for Arsenal. He is known for his intense competitiveness on the pitch but has often been portrayed as a player who does not live and breathe football. Those close to him insist he loves playing the game but treats it as a job, preferring to spend his downtime with his wife and young son.
Tuchel's squad is already without first-choice right-back Reece James due to injury, while Trent Alexander-Arnold remains out of favour. Djed Spence and Tino Livramento are also in the squad, with Livramento recalled after being kept out of Newcastle's starting XI by Kieran Trippier, who retired from England duty in 2024.
