Ben White given shock England recall as Thomas Tuchel replaces injured duo

Ben White has been handed a shock England recall after over three years out of the squad as Thomas Tuchel was called into making two changes due to injury. The Arsenal defender has not featured in a Three Lions camp since leaving the squad under dramatic circumstances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with White subsequently asking not to be considered for selection by then-manager Gareth Southgate. The rift stemmed from a reported falling out with former England assistant Steve Holland, who allegedly claimed that White was not sufficiently interested in football.

White has since been on a self-imposed England exile, one that was not resolved during the interim reign of Lee Carsley following Southgate’s departure in the summer of 2024, but has now been lured back into the fold by Tuchel. He replaces Bayer Leverkusen ’s Jarell Quansah in the squad for March’s internationals against Uruguay and Japan, while Gunners teammate Eberechi Eze has also been ruled out due to a calf problem. Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes has been chosen to fill the void left by Eze, whose only appearance for the senior team came in October 2020.

Tuchel had spoken positively about a return for White, saying in August of last year that he was “delighted” to see him back in training after recurring knee problems. "We were monitoring the process and huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA. And thanks to everyone at Arsenal to let us monitor closely so we are on it, speaking to Ben that we are delighted that he is back on the bench,” Tuchel said.

“He wants to be back, he’s glad to be back. " More to follow.