Ben White, the versatile Arsenal defender, has not featured for England since leaving the national team during the 2022 World Cup. As Thomas Tuchel prepares to take the reins as England manager, he may face the challenge of winning over the 27-year-old, whose departure from the squad two years ago has been shrouded in controversy.
The Departure from England
Reports link White’s absence from international duty to a fallout with England’s coaching staff. At the 2022 World Cup, the Football Association stated that White left the squad for “personal reasons.” However, reports suggest that a comment made by Steve Holland, assistant to then-manager Gareth Southgate, played a significant role in White’s decision to depart.
During a group discussion, Holland reportedly asked Manchester City’s Kyle Walker a question about the 2021-22 Premier League season. When White was posed a similar question and admitted he didn’t know the answer, Holland allegedly told him that it was because White “wasn’t sufficiently interested in football.”
This remark, coupled with White’s own admission that he and his family are not ardent football fans, led to his decision to make himself unavailable for future England squads. White enjoys playing and training but has previously stated that watching football at home is not part of his routine.
Tuchel’s Plan to Reconnect with Ben White
Tuchel, who took over as England manager following Southgate’s departure, has expressed his intention to reach out to White and assess the defender’s willingness to return to the national fold. Tuchel, who previously managed Chelsea to a Champions League victory, has emphasized the importance of clear communication and mutual respect.
“I will reach out to him. It should be a clean start and a clear narrative. I’ll be in the stadiums from January and will speak with players while respecting their schedules,” Tuchel said in a recent interview.
While it remains uncertain whether White will be open to returning to international duty, Tuchel’s efforts to make contact mark the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the national team under his guidance.
Alan Shearer Calls for Dialogue
Former England captain Alan Shearer has weighed in on White’s situation, calling for Tuchel to engage in a conversation with the defender. Shearer acknowledged the speculation surrounding White’s departure but emphasized the need for clarity.
“White’s situation is a strange one. We hear various rumours about why he left, but no one really knows the full story. I suspect Tuchel will want to understand why Ben doesn’t want to be selected, and if that’s the case, you have to respect his decision,” Shearer said.
White’s Arsenal Success
Despite his England hiatus, White has continued to shine for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. Since his £50 million move from Brighton in 2021, White has become a key player for the Gunners, predominantly featuring as the first-choice right-back. His form at club level has been impressive, even as he competed with other top-tier England full-backs such as Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Reece James for a spot in the national squad.
With Walker’s recent dip in form and James’ ongoing injury struggles, the door to a potential return to the England setup may be opening for White. Additionally, Tuchel’s preference for a three-central-defender formation could provide White with a pathway into the national team if the new manager decides to shift his tactical approach.
What’s Next for White and England?
As Tuchel embarks on his tenure as England boss, the future of Ben White’s international career remains uncertain. The new manager’s outreach to White could either pave the way for a return to the England squad or further solidify the defender’s position on the sidelines. What’s clear is that White’s impressive performances for Arsenal are making it increasingly difficult to overlook his potential contribution to the national team, should he choose to return.
Leave a Reply