Ben White ‘sets date’ for England comeback as Arsenal star U-turns for Thomas Tuchel

Ben White could be about to end a three-year absence from the England fold in the wake of Thomas Tuchel’s appointment.

The Arsenal defender is reportedly ready to make his comeback now that Gareth Southgate and his backroom staff have made way. Lee Carsley will remain in temporary charge for the final two matches of the year, before Tuchel takes over on January 1.

According to talkSPORT, White is prepared to make himself available for selection in March 2025. Tuchel will have had two months to get situated by that point, and having the Gunners star as an option would be a major boost to the German head coach.

White has ruled himself out of England squads since leaving the Three Lions camp midway through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Though it was never confirmed, it is understood that a disagreement with Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland, played a part in his decision.

England are already spoilt for choice at right-back, where Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Rico Lewis and Tino Livramento are all scrapping for the starting berth.

But White can play in a variety of positions, having featured alongside Gabriel Magalhaes as a central defender in his first season at the Emirates Stadium before switching to full-back to accommodate William Saliba.

White has only registered four senior England caps, making his debut against Austria in 2021 and last playing in a friendly against Ivory Coast. Three years will have passed between that appearance and his return to the fold if he is selected by Tuchel in March.

Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp ripped into White earlier this year, when Southgate revealed that the Arsenal man had asked to be left out of his Euro 2024 squad. “I think Gareth Southgate said the door’s still open, didn’t he? The door should be slammed right in his mush,” Redknapp ranted on talkSPORT.

“He doesn’t want to play for his country, he goes to the World Cup then comes home because he’s not getting in the team. I’m sorry, you’ve had your opportunity.

“You don’t want to play for England? You tell the Bobby Moores of this world who’s got 100-odd caps. The Shiltons, the Beckhams, the Rooneys – those people, go and tell the Billy Bonds of this world who didn’t get a cap and should have done, and all those great players that you don’t want to play for your country. I think it’s disgusting, I can’t have it.”