Ben White has been recalled to the England national football team for the first time since 2022, marking a significant recall to international football after a prolonged absence.
The Arsenal defender last featured for England during a 3-0 friendly victory over the Ivory Coast in March 2022, but withdrew from the squad during the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to personal reasons.
He subsequently made himself unavailable for selection throughout the tenure of former manager Gareth Southgate.
White’s return comes under new head coach Thomas Tuchel, who included him in an expanded 35-man squad ahead of upcoming international friendlies.
England are set to face Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31 at Wembley Stadium.
The 27-year-old replaces Jarell Quansah, who was ruled out due to a thigh injury.
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White’s absence from international duty followed reports of a fallout with assistant coach Steve Holland during the World Cup, which led to his early departure from the camp.
Although efforts were made by Southgate to reintegrate him into the squad, including outreach through Arsenal’s former sporting director Edu, the defender remained unavailable.
However, changes in England’s coaching setup after Euro 2024 and renewed communication with Tuchel paved the way for his return.
Despite limited domestic appearances this season, making just seven Premier League outings, White has played a more prominent role in Europe, featuring in eight of Arsenal’s 10 Champions League matches as they progressed to the quarter-finals.
He also started in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
With England entering a new era under Tuchel, the upcoming friendlies could offer the defender a chance to re-establish himself on the international stage.
