Tuchel Talks with Ben White Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Ben White's England Future: Thomas Tuchel Holds Crucial Talks with Arsenal Star

England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel has initiated discussions with Arsenal defender Ben White as he prepares to announce his first squad next month. The German tactician, who officially took charge on January 1, 2025, had previously stated at the FIFA World Cup draw in December that he would personally reach out to White regarding his international future.

White, now 27 years old, has been absent from the England squad since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he left the camp during the group stage due to personal reasons. Since then, he has made himself unavailable for selection, raising doubts about whether he would return to the international scene.

With England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia in March, Tuchel has been closely monitoring players, frequently attending Premier League games to assess potential squad members.

Will Ben White Return to the England Squad?

Sources within the FA have confirmed that Tuchel and White have spoken, but there is no guarantee the Arsenal defender will be included in the squad. While the talks signal an open door for White’s return, the final decision will depend on multiple factors, including:

✅ Tuchel’s tactical requirements

✅ White’s fitness and recent performances

✅ The competition for defensive positions in the England squad

White, who recently returned to action after knee surgery, made his first appearance since November 2024 in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the weekend. His fitness and form in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he secures a place in Tuchel’s squad.

Mikel Arteta: "It's Tuchel’s Decision"

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that White is an important player for the club but insisting that the final call rests with Tuchel.

> "[Ben White] is a player that has given us something very, very special, especially in that right unit," Arteta said.

"It’s great to have him back. His energy, his presence in the team – he has certainly been missed. But ultimately, it’s up to the England coach to decide whether he wants him back in the squad."

Ben White’s England Record & Competition for Spots

White has earned four international caps for England, with his last appearance dating back to March 2022. Although he played a role in England’s defense leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his international career has since been on hold.

Competition for England’s Defensive Line:

🔹 John Stones (Manchester City) – An established starter for England

🔹 Harry Maguire (Manchester United) – Despite club struggles, remains a key figure

🔹 Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – A rising talent in the England setup

🔹 Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan) – Impressing in Serie A and pushing for a starting role

🔹 Ben White (Arsenal) – Looking to regain his spot after an extended absence

With White’s versatility—able to play as a center-back and right-back—Tuchel could see him as a valuable asset in a tactical setup that requires flexible defenders.

England’s Upcoming Fixtures: World Cup Qualifiers in March

The Three Lions are set to play two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Wembley Stadium in March:

🏆 England vs. Albania – March 22, 2025

🏆 England vs. Latvia – March 26, 2025

With England expected to dominate both fixtures, Tuchel may experiment with new defensive options, making White’s availability all the more interesting.

What’s Next for Ben White?

Three Possible Outcomes for White’s International Future:

1️⃣ Immediate Return – Tuchel includes White in the March squad, signaling a fresh start.

2️⃣ Delayed Comeback – The Arsenal star continues to impress at the club level, making a return for UEFA Nations League games later in 2025.

3️⃣ Permanent Absence – White decides to remain out of the international picture, focusing solely on club football.

For now, White’s fate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Tuchel is keen to bring back the best English talents as he builds his squad for the future.

Conclusion: Will White Make England's March Squad?

Ben White’s return to the England setup would provide Tuchel with a technically gifted, versatile defender ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, the final decision will depend on White’s fitness, form, and desire to rejoin the national team.

⚽ Do you think Ben White should return to the England squad? Let us know in the comments!