Ben White: A Potential Return to the England Squad?
Ben White, the 27-year-old right-back for Arsenal, is at the center of a conversation that could see him rejoin the England national team. Since March 2022, White has not played for the Three Lions due to an alleged falling out with former assistant Steve Holland during the Qatar World Cup. The situation left White feeling disgraced and eventually led him to self-exclude from national team selection, a decision that saw him miss England’s run to the Euro 2024 final in Germany under Gareth Southgate. However, the tide might be turning as new England manager Thomas Tuchel has initiated discussions with White to gauge his interest in a return to the squad.
Tuchel’s Approach and Arsenal’s Considerations
Tuchel, who officially took over as England’s head coach on January 1, 2023, has been proactive in his first seven weeks on the job. He has attended more than 20 live games across Europe and has been reaching out to players, including White, through personal meetings and video calls. This hands-on approach underscores Tuchel’s commitment to rebuilding the national team and fostering a positive environment. However, the decision to include White in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers squad, which includes matches against Albania on March 21 and Latvia on March 24, is not solely Tuchel’s. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has previously expressed support for White’s national team aspirations but also emphasized the need for the player to feel comfortable and be in the best possible condition. White, who recently returned from a three-month layoff due to knee surgery, might be a case where club and country interests need to be carefully balanced.
White’s Versatility and Past Contributions
Despite his limited appearances, White’s versatility as a right-back, center back, and midfielder makes him a valuable asset for any team. He earned his first senior cap on June 2, 2021, in a pre-Euros friendly against Austria. Although he was not initially included in the final Euro 2020 squad, he was called up as a late replacement for the injured Kyle Walker. White’s absence from the national team since then has been a loss, given his technical proficiency and adaptability. In a squad that includes players like Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, and Tino Livramento, White would face tough competition. Nonetheless, his unique skill set and proven form at the club level could make him a valuable addition to Tuchel’s roster.
The Fallout from Qatar
The reasons behind White’s early departure from the Qatar World Cup camp are still somewhat murky. Officially, it was attributed to personal reasons, but it’s widely believed that a comment made by Steve Holland in front of the squad played a significant role. This incident left White feeling humiliated and ultimately led to his decision to leave the camp and not play. Upon his return to Arsenal, White faced harsh criticism from fans, with chants of "You let your country down" echoing in Premier League stadiums. Despite this, Southgate maintained that the decision had nothing to do with White’s relationship with Holland, emphasizing the player’s professionalism and talent. Tuchel’s willingness to reach out and have an open dialogue with White signals a fresh start and a potential repair of the strained relationship with the national team.
Other Players Seeking Re-Entry
White is not the only player hoping for a return to the England squad. James Maddison, who has been in impressive form for Leicester City, is also among those vying for a recall. Maddison’s creativity and goal-scoring ability have caught the attention of Tuchel, and he could be a valuable addition to the midfield. Additionally, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been receiving support from his club’s manager, Oliver Glasner, who believes Eze has the potential to be a starter for England. Glasner’s endorsement comes after a period of injury struggles for Eze, and the manager’s comments suggest that the player is on the right path to recovery and could soon be back to his best form.
Tuchel’s Coaching Record and Vision
Thomas Tuchel is known for his tactical acumen and high win percentages across various clubs. His coaching journey includes stints at Augsburg II, Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, where he achieved significant success. At PSG, he won multiple titles, including two Ligue 1 championships, the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Trophee des Champions. During his time at Chelsea, Tuchel led the team to the Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup. His record at Bayern Munich, although brief, included a Bundesliga title. In contrast, Southgate’s tenure with England saw the team reach the Euro 2020 final and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Tuchel’s approach and vision for the national team will be closely watched, and his discussions with players like White and Maddison indicate a willingness to bring fresh faces and new ideas to the squad. As the qualifiers approach, the football community will be eager to see how Tuchel reshapes the Three Lions.
