Ben White recalled to England squad after three year absence | OneFootball

Ben White (28) has been recalled to the England national football team squad for the first time in more than three years, marking a significant shift under new head coach Thomas Tuchel, BBC Sport has reported.

The Arsenal defender last featured for England in March 2022 before leaving the World Cup camp in Qatar later that year for personal reasons. He subsequently made himself unavailable for selection during Gareth Southgate’s tenure, effectively placing his international career on hold.

White now returns as part of an expanded 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay national football team and Japan national football team at Wembley, replacing the injured Jarell Quansah.

His inclusion reflects a long-term effort by Tuchel to reintegrate the 28-year-old into the national setup. With the departure of Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland, the circumstances surrounding White’s earlier withdrawal have eased, allowing for a renewed dialogue.

Despite a disrupted domestic season in which he has featured sparingly in the Premier League, White has remained involved in Arsenal’s European campaign, underlining his continued value at the highest level.

His return represents both reconciliation and opportunity, as England look to refine their squad ahead of a new international cycle.

GFN | Finn Entwistle