Ben White called up by England for first time since World Cup saga | Football | Sport

Ben White has been called up to the England squad for the first time since he left the 2022 World Cup early in Qatar. The Arsenal defender has been brought in as a replacement after Jarell Quansah pulled out with an injury.

However, after Bayer Leverkusen star Quansah was forced to pull out of the squad, Tuchel has turned to the versatile 28-year-old.

White has four international caps for England, with his last coming in a 3-0 victory over the Ivory Coast at Wembley back in March 2022. At the 2022 World Cup, he was an unused substitute in England’s 6-2 victory over Iran and 0-0 draw with the USA. He now appears to be back in the fold under the former Chelsea coach.

He will also be joined by Newcastle United forward Harvey Barnes, who replaced White’s Arsenal team-mate Eberechi Eze, who suffered a calf injury before the League Cup final.

Last year, Tuchel confirmed he had held talks with White about the prospect of a return to the international fold. In March 2025, the German said: “He’d love to be back in the squad. I just think it’s a bit too early now given the seriousness of the injury that he had. I’m delighted he’s back in back-to-back trainings.

“Huge compliments to the medical and performance staff of the FA. We are honoured speaking to him, speaking to Ben, delighted that he’s back on the bench. Now it’s just a question of getting more minutes, more rhythm. He wants to be back.”

White will be hoping to earn minutes in England’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The Three Lions face the two-time World Cup winners on March 27 and then take on the Japanese on the 31st.

The defender’s call-up also comes at the expense of Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been snubbed yet again, despite Quansah and Chelsea captain Reece James both being injured.

England will also face Costa Rica and New Zealand in June just before the competition in the USA, Mexico and Canada takes place. Tuchel’s tournament will then begin with a tough opening fixture against the 2022 World Cup bronze medallists Croatia, before clashes against Ghana and Panama.