Thomas Tuchel, the new head coach of the English national football team, has confirmed Arsenal defender Ben White's desire to return to the national squad, marking his interest after previously stepping away from international duty.
White, who has not played for England since leaving the World Cup camp in Qatar for personal reasons, is reportedly eager to play again under Tuchel's management. His last notable absence from the squad occurred after he opted out of selections during Gareth Southgate's tenure, most recently refusing to be called up for Euro 2024.
Speaking during a press conference, Tuchel shared insights about White’s condition and readiness: "He loves to be back in the squad, but I just think it’s too early now, considering the seriousness of the injury he had. I’m delighted he’s back; he’s participating in training again." Tuchel’s concerns stem from White’s recent recovery after knee surgery last November, which kept him sidelined for most of the season.
With only 16 appearances to his name this term due to the injury, White has recently returned to active play, making brief appearances for Arsenal, including 13 minutes during their 7-1 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven. He played 79 minutes during the same team's second leg at the Emirates Stadium, demonstrating his gradual return to form.
Despite White's eagerness to return, Tuchel opted not to include him in the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia this March. "It’s too soon for him to take part this time around," Tuchel stated, underscoring the importance of allowing White to regain full fitness before integrating him back onto the international stage.
Former England player Stuart Pearce weighed in on the situation, expressing ambivalence about the ability of players to step back after conflicts, particularly after White's fallout with former assistant coach Steve Holland. Pearce remarked: "If they let you down once, they always let you down," emphasizing the weight of national pride over personal grievances.
Tuchel appears to support the notion of second chances within the squad. "We are speaking to Ben; we are delighted he’s back on the bench. He had his Champions League match, and now the focus shifts to getting more minutes and building rhythm. If he pushes through, he has every chance to make his way back to the starting eleven. He wants to be back and is glad to be back," Tuchel reassured.
White's teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has surged onto the scene this season with impressive performances, received his first international call-up for the upcoming matches. Acknowledging Lewis-Skelly's extraordinary rise, Tuchel stated, "I am always impressed with Myles. He plays regularly for one of the best teams, and he can manage the pressure. We believe he’s ready to step up."
Tuchel’s new England squad sees some younger players alongside established names. Among the notable inclusions are Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson, both of whom have returned following mixed levels of performance at the club level. Tuchel has named his first squad with anticipation for the team's upcoming challenges, reinforcing the commitment to build both current talent and future prospects.
With Tuchel now at the helm, fans are eager to see how the dynamics of the England team evolve, especially with the additions of players like Lewis-Skelly and the possibility of White rejoining the fold later down the line as he gets back to full fitness.
The England manager's strategic decisions will be closely watched as the team approaches these pivotal matches, where performance and cohesion could set the tone for future international commitments.
Ben White's hoped-for comeback paints the picture of resilience and redemption, as the footballer aims to bridge personal and national pride once again. With the support of his club and national team management, the pathway back to international duty seems promising, albeit requiring patience and careful monitoring of his recovery.
Fans and analysts alike will be eager to track White’s progress, hoping to see him back on the pitch donning the Three Lions emblem soon, as preparations intensify for the Euro qualifiers.