It has been revealed why Ben White was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s initial 23-man England roster on Friday, and it has nothing to do with the Englishman’s past complaints about the national team. When the Three Lions host Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifying next week, the former manager of Bayern Munich is getting ready to take over in the dugout at Wembley Stadium.
The German made his first squad announcement on Friday, providing a first peek at what he envisions the future England team would look like. The return of Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson were two of the unexpected additions. However, Morgan Gibbs-White and Conor Gallagher turned out to be shocking exclusions.
White, who is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs when healthy, had a tense relationship with former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland. The issues started during the 2022 World Cup when Tuchel’s predecessor’s second-in-command scolded the Arsenal star in front of his teammates just before the defender announced his retirement before the knockout stages.
Why Ben White Was Not Selected By Thomas Tuchel
The Arsenal defender is eager to repair fractured relationship with the national team
Despite spending the last two years separating himself from England’s close calls with glory, rumours indicate the defender is now prepared to make amends under Tuchel’s tutelage. However, he needs to get regular playing time following his knee injury recovery before he can be considered for a call-up. See the complete interview below for Tuchel’s confirmation of his comeback to contention:
“He enjoys rejoining the team. I simply believe that, considering the severity of his condition, it is a little too soon for him. I’m happy to report that he has returned.
Ben White is back for England: "He loves to be back in the squad. I just think it’s a bit too early now for him given the seriousness of his injury" pic.twitter.com/jQEw2F4r5a
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) March 14, 2025
In the end, though, White has rejoined the England team, despite some harsh remarks made by former England player Nicky Butt on his potential comeback. According to The Sun, the former Manchester United midfielder stated that he believed the defender’s altercation in Qatar ought to have marked the end of his international career sooner rather than later.
He declared, “He is a top player and good enough to join the squad.” However, he isn’t good enough to beg him to return. In his day, he is neither a Shearer nor a Gascoigne.
Over the years, several people have expressed their desire to prepare for the upcoming season or to play, which translates to “I don’t want to play” or “I don’t want to be sub.” I don’t believe there should be a way back after you break that.
It’s unclear what the general public thinks of the situation, but Tuchel and company will try to end the lingering debate when they play Albania in the first of two World Cup qualifying matches next Friday, March 21. Three days later, on March 24, they will host Latvia at Wembley Stadium.
