Thomas Tuchel says Ben White deserves a “second chance” after ending his four-year England absence and has explained the defender has started to “clear the air” with his team-mates over his early departure from the 2022 World Cup.
White has not featured for England since he suddenly left the Qatar World Cup during Gareth Southgate’s tenure. Before the 2024 European Championship, Southgate revealed that Arsenal had told the Football Association (FA) that White did not want to be considered for selection.
Tuchel called White into his squad this week after Jarell Quansah withdrew through injury. It represents a dramatic turnaround for the Arsenal right-back whose international career appeared over, and who won the last of his four caps in March 2022.
Tuchel admitted during a press conference at Wembley on Thursday that White “did not want to speak about” what happened in Qatar, but said he wanted to give the 28-year-old another opportunity in international football.
“I want to give him a second chance,” Tuchel said. “He has not put a foot wrong with me. Something must have happened, because if a player leaves from a tournament it’s never good and it never can be nothing.”
Tuchel also said White has been talking to his England team-mates about the events of 2022. The FA cited “personal reasons” for his departure at the time. The Athletic reported in 2024 that White had found it difficult being out of the side and had struggled to settle, a long way from home, in England’s tournament environment.
“I’m not sure if ‘apologise’ is the right word, but maybe just to clear the air with the players who were there, I think he has done, and will do with the majority of the players who come now,” Tuchel added. “I don’t even know if he did something wrong or what exactly happened. But an explanation among the players who were there, to clear the air, is in progress.”
Although White did not want to play for England in the last tournament cycle, Tuchel said that White was delighted to be back in the camp now.
“The reaction to his call-up was very positive,” he said. “Within seconds, it was a very positive and emotional reaction from him. He made it very clear how delighted he is to be back. This is what he has shown in the last days. People have to trust me that he behaves very, very well. He was positive about coming back and was desperate for many months to come back.”
Now White is competing with Djed Spence and Tino Livramento to play at right-back against Uruguay on Friday. Tuchel urged the Wembley crowd to get behind White.
“Support,” Tuchel said, when asked what reaction he expected for White. “Because he plays for England and we play in a positive moment. We will have some new players on the pitch so I hope everyone can support. Now he has the chance because Jarell Quansah pulled out through injury and he is eager to prove a point. Hopefully people give him a fair chance.”
