England boss Thomas Tuchel believes Ben White “deserves to open a new chapter” with the national team following his recall to the squad.
The Arsenal defender is one of 25 players called up for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia at home and Spain away.
It’s the 29-year-old’s first call-up since March when he was booed by England fans after coming off the bench for the 1-1 draw against Uruguay and again against Japan.
Those were his first appearances for the Three Lions since his controversial departure from the camp midway through the FIFA World Cup in 2022. He left for “personal reasons”, reported to be related to a falling out with then-assistant coach Steve Holland.
Former England manager Gareth Southgate said in 2024 that White had made himself unavailable for selection. He missed the World Cup through injury this past summer following his return to the fold.
Tuchel is hopeful that White will receive a warm reception from England supporters this month.
Ben White ‘deserves to open new chapter’ with England
“We were not happy about this, although we could understand the disappointment of the fans, of course, with what happened before,” the German coach said at Friday’s squad announcement.
“I think this is a closed book now because I think everyone could see the investment of Ben and the quality of Ben in the way he presented himself in the March camp before the World Cup.
“When I speak with him I always feel the hunger from him to come back and the excitement.
“He missed the last camp. He is the standout player for Arsenal in a position where we struggle with injuries, somehow, and we have a lot of changes.
“This gives Ben the opportunity to impose himself again. He deserves to open a new chapter and deserves positive feedback from the crowd.”
Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the squad again despite not being a regular starter for the Spanish club. He started both games against Czechia for England during the last international window.
“He was very good in the last camp and in the games he played, and he deserved to come back,” Tuchel added.
“The competition is on, as always. The door is always open. He competes with Jarell [Quansah] and Ben [White] for the right-back position.”
Read – Tuchel explains Palmer exclusion from England squad
Read More – Liam Rosenior insists he’s ‘not a joke’ after Chelsea media scrutiny
See Also – Five of the best Premier League away kits in 2026/27