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England head coach Thomas Tuchel has explained the absence of Arsenal defender Ben White from the latest national team squad, despite the player recently declaring himself ready for a return to international duty.
White, 27, has not played for England since his unexpected departure from the Three Lions camp during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. At the time, manager Gareth Southgate later confirmed that White had requested not to be called up, amid rumours of a dispute with then-assistant coach Steve Holland—claims Southgate firmly denied.
Earlier this month, White broke his silence, stating that he was “definitely available” for selection under the new England regime led by Tuchel. However, when the latest England squad was announced on Friday ahead of upcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal, White’s name was again missing.
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Speaking at a press conference, Tuchel clarified the reasons behind White’s omission, citing both personal and physical factors.
“He was involved in the latest matches for Arsenal, but we had a talk and decided that now is not the right moment because he is about to become a father,” Tuchel said. “The baby is due right around the exact date of the camp. It’s his first child, and we wish him and his wife all the best.”
Thomas Tuchel on Ben White not being in the England squad:
“He made very strong progress. We had a talk and we decided that at the moment this is not the moment – because he will become a father very soon. The baby is due during the camp. We wish him all the best for that.” pic.twitter.com/6yXHXXOt5G
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 23, 2025
The German coach added that returning to the squad should be done with complete focus and a clear mind—something not possible for White at this time.
“We thought if he comes back, it should be with full focus on football, which at the moment is understandably divided. We agreed this is not the camp for him to return,” Tuchel explained.
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Tuchel also noted that while Ben White has recently returned to action for Arsenal following a lengthy spell out with a knee injury, there is still room for improvement in his physical condition.
“Although he played recently, I think he still has about 10 to 15 per cent room to improve physically. Taking everything into account, we decided it’s best he’s not with us this time,” Tuchel said.
“100 per cent, he was ready to be selected now, but the main reason he wasn’t was because of family.”
Ben White, who is capable of playing both at right-back and centre-back, missed four months of the 2024/25 season due to knee surgery. Since returning, he has made just five Premier League starts for Arsenal. Despite his absence this time, Tuchel expressed optimism about working with the versatile defender in the future.
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