Tuchel tells White to clear air with England team-mates after recall
England manager Thomas Tuchel says Ben White must “clear the air” with his team-mates after the Arsenal defender ended his self-imposed international exile.
The 28-year-old has been brought into the latest camp as a replacement for the injured Jarell Quansah.
He will be available for Friday’s friendly against Uruguay at Wembley, followed by a home fixture against Japan on Tuesday.
The former Brighton centre-back famously left the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for personal reasons and later declined a call-up from Gareth Southgate in March 2024.
Euphoric reaction to recall
Tuchel revealed he reached out directly to the defender to gauge his interest in returning to the national setup.
The German tactician insisted he was not fully aware of past disagreements, preferring instead to open a “new book” with the current squad.
“Once I asked Ben if he would be ready to play for me and for England, he straightaway, without hesitation, said he would love to come back,” Tuchel said.
“The reaction came within seconds. It was very euphoric, very positive and very emotional about it.”
The England boss praised the defender’s exceptional training performances since rejoining the group.
However, Tuchel noted that mending relationships with players who were present in Qatar remains a necessary step.
“I think it’s necessary he clears the air with his team-mates and I think he will with players who come back who were in the World Cup together with him.”
Alexander-Arnold told to accept omission
White’s inclusion came at the direct expense of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to be overlooked for international duty.
The Real Madrid full-back was omitted despite Quansah’s withdrawal creating an obvious opening on the right side of the defence.
Tuchel described the decision as a purely sporting choice, acknowledging it might seem harsh on the former Liverpool man.
“It’s just a choice. A sportive choice. Maybe a hard choice. And maybe to a degree unfair,” he explained.
When asked what the omitted defender must do now, the national team manager offered a blunt assessment.
“He just has to accept it.”
