Ben White’s England return possible under Tuchel | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Ben White has been tipped for a potential return to the England squad following Thomas Tuchel‘s appointment as Three Lions manager.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a former member of Gareth Southgate‘s coaching setup, believes Tuchel should make a move to bring White back into the fold.

DOHA, QATAR – NOVEMBER 26: Ben White of England looks on during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

White, who has four England caps, has been absent from international duty since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, leaving the squad early under somewhat mysterious circumstances.

It was widely reported that White had a falling-out with then-assistant manager Steve Holland, though neither party has ever confirmed this.

Despite his excellent performances for Arsenal, White has not featured for England since.

Hasselbaink has urged Tuchel to consider White, who has been in fine form at club level, excelling in his role at right-back for Arsenal over the past three seasons.

Arsenal’s English defender Ben White (R) celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 4, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

“Ben White is a good player, a top English player, so I’m sure he will be considered,” Hasselbaink said. “When a new manager comes in, it always brings a chance for different players to come into the fold, and that will be no different under Thomas Tuchel.”

Tuchel, who replaced Southgate following England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, is no stranger to working with big personalities, having managed the likes of PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.

Hasselbaink believes this experience could be crucial in managing any lingering issues and providing a fresh start for players like White.

White’s absence from the national team has been notable given his importance to Arsenal’s defence. He has made over 100 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Brighton and has played a crucial role in Mikel Arteta‘s side establishing themselves as Premier League title contenders.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Last season, White missed just one league game as Arsenal pushed Manchester City in the title race, ultimately finishing as runners-up.

Despite the previous tension, White’s agent, Alexander Levack, has hinted that a return to the England setup isn’t entirely off the table. “It’s all ifs, buts, and maybes,” Levack told Sky Sports. “It’s not something we’ve spoken in depth about. So I suppose… wait and see.”

Whether Tuchel will reach out and attempt to bridge the gap left by Southgate and Holland is yet to be seen, but Hasselbaink is confident that the new manager’s arrival provides an opportunity for reconciliation.

With England moving into a new era under Tuchel, White’s international future could soon take an interesting turn.