The newly appointed England manager plans to reconnect with sidelined Arsenal defender, aiming for a fresh start ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
Thomas Tuchel, England’s incoming manager, has expressed his intent to bring Arsenal’s Ben White back into the national team fold. White, who stepped away from England’s World Cup squad in Qatar in 2022 for personal reasons, has not played for the Three Lions since March of that year.
Speaking about the 27-year-old, Tuchel emphasised a desire to offer White a “clean start” as he begins his tenure as England boss in January. “I will reach out to him,” Tuchel said. “It should be a clean start and a clear narrative.”
White, who can operate both as a centre-back and right-back, has made four senior appearances for England. However, his absence from international duty and Southgate’s March statement that White had made himself unavailable for selection left his future with the team uncertain. Tuchel’s remarks hint at a potential reconciliation, pending White’s recovery from a knee surgery that has sidelined him for months. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed in November that White’s return to action would not happen until well into 2025.
Tuchel, renowned for his trophy-laden spells at clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, is set to become England’s third non-British manager after Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. His appointment in October followed Gareth Southgate’s departure, marking the start of a new chapter for the national team.
While Tuchel’s hiring has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits, the German coach is determined to silence sceptics. “Of course, the reaction will always be mixed,” Tuchel acknowledged. “Now I have to prove myself and show people how much this job means to me. It’s a dream job, and I will give everything to succeed.”
Tuchel’s immediate focus is on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where England will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. His approach appears to prioritise stability and harmony within the squad, and White’s versatility and Premier League pedigree could play a vital role in his plans.
However, the timeline for White’s potential return remains uncertain. Recovering from knee surgery is a long process, and his match fitness will need careful monitoring. Despite this, Tuchel’s willingness to engage with the player highlights his commitment to broadening England’s defensive options and fostering a supportive team environment.
White joined Arsenal from Brighton for £50 million in 2021 and has since established himself as a key player under Mikel Arteta. However, his absence from the England squad has been notable, with fans questioning whether he could have added defensive depth during pivotal matches.
Tuchel, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in the 2020-21 season, is no stranger to high-pressure environments. His tactical expertise and adaptability have earned him success at some of Europe’s top clubs, and he is now tasked with breaking England’s silverware drought, which stretches back to the 1966 World Cup.
As Tuchel prepares to take charge officially in January, his promise to be present at matches signals his intent to closely evaluate players and integrate fresh talent. “I will be in the stadiums from January,” he confirmed. “I will also not distract the players—they should just know, ‘OK, the boss is there.’”
Whether Tuchel’s leadership can reignite England’s fortunes on the international stage remains to be seen. For now, his gesture towards Ben White symbolises a broader ambition to unify the squad and deliver on the hopes of an expectant fanbase.
