Arsenal defender Ben White has confirmed that he is open to resuming his England career under Thomas Tuchel after holding constructive talks with the new head coach.
The 27-year-old had been in a self-imposed exile from the national team for over two years after leaving the 2022 World Cup camp for personal reasons, later alleged to be a bust-up between him and Gareth Southgate‘s former assistant Steve Holland.
It was reported that Holland made a ‘barbed comment’ about White’s purported lack of interest in football in front of the rest of the squad; the Arsenal man has previously admitted that he does not watch many matches in his spare time and can switch off from the game when at home.
Southgate vehemently denied that there had been any falling-out between White and Holland, but the defender then made himself unavailable for selection, missing out on Euro 2024 as a result.
White was also overlooked for Tuchel’s first squad in March, but he had only just returned from knee surgery, and Southgate’s successor confirmed that the 27-year-old wanted to return to national team action.
Ben White confirms he wants to play for England again
© Imago
Now, the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion man has spoken publicly about his England future for the first time, revealing that he is open to pulling on the Three Lions shirt again under the new manager.
In an interview with The Mirror, White said: “I’m definitely available. I spoke to him a few times and he’s such a nice, nice man, very honest. Obviously I haven’t been back for too long so it’s just about playing now and hopefully making my way back in.”
White could put himself into contention for a call-up for June’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Andorra and Senegal, having gradually built up his minutes for Arsenal since coming back from surgery.
The 27-year-old has started three of Arsenal’s last four games in the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta saving first-choice right-back Jurrien Timber for the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, White has not played for his country since a 3-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast in March 2022, which was just his fourth senior cap for the Three Lions.
White relishing Timber competition for Arsenal right-back spot
© Imago
The Englishman was previously Arsenal’s undisputed first-choice right-back, linking up effectively with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard and providing effective overlapping runs on that side.
Timber has since capitalised on White’s injury woes to cement his place at right-back, though, earning high praise for his one-on-one defensive ability while registering two goals and four assists in all competitions this season.
While Timber’s exploits could potentially harm White’s national team prospects, he is relishing the challenge, adding: “Seeing JT come back from an ACL, he’s had to play every game and has done so well. It would have been ideal if I could have helped and maybe taken a little bit of stress off him.
“I think it’s a great situation for everyone, we’re two completely different full-backs so it’s nice to have different options and different qualities to bring to the team.”
White could make his 25th appearance of the season in Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Newcastle United, where Arsenal will guarantee Champions League qualification with a win.
