Following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as the new England manager, there are growing calls for him to engage with Arsenal defender Ben White about a possible return to the national squad.
White, who has four caps for England, has not played for his country since leaving the World Cup camp in Qatar midway through the tournament.
In March, former manager Gareth Southgate revealed that White had made himself unavailable for selection, effectively ruling him out for the Euro 2024 tournament. Reports suggest that a fallout with Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland, may have contributed to this situation.
Now, with Tuchel stepping in after Southgate’s resignation following England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final, there is renewed hope for White’s international career. Tuchel has yet to publicly comment on White’s status, but Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a former member of Southgate’s coaching team, believes a discussion between the two could be beneficial.
“Whenever a new manager comes in, it opens the door for different players to be considered, and that should be the case with Thomas Tuchel as well,” Hasselbaink stated. “Ben White is a quality player and a top English talent, so I’m sure he will be under consideration.”
White has excelled at right-back for Arsenal, making over 100 appearances and helping the team establish itself as a serious contender in the Premier League. Although he initially played as a centre-back for Brighton, his versatility makes him a valuable asset for the national team.
Hasselbaink also shared his thoughts on Tuchel’s appointment, noting, “He has a strong pedigree and has worked with top players. It’s an exciting opportunity for him and for England. Tuchel’s experience with big personalities in clubs like PSG and Chelsea will serve him well.”
The former striker added that Tuchel’s foreign nationality should not be a concern. “He knows the game and understands the players. His familiarity with the English football culture will make his transition smoother,” Hasselbaink remarked.
As England prepares for future competitions, it remains to be seen whether Tuchel will reach out to White and possibly reintegrate him into the national setup.