Arsenal’s White Called Up to England Squad After WC Walkout
Arsenal defender Ben White has received his first England call-up in over three years, marking a significant return to international football after his controversial departure from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The 28-year-old right-back, who has not represented the Three Lions since walking out of England’s World Cup camp for what were described as personal reasons, has been drafted into Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. His recall comes as a replacement for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jarell Quansah, who withdrew from the squad due to injury.
White’s absence from England duty has been one of the more puzzling stories in recent international football. After leaving Qatar mid-tournament in November 2022, the defender made himself unavailable for selection throughout the remainder of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager, which concluded following the team’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain in July last year.
The nature of White’s departure from the World Cup camp remains largely unexplained, with both the Football Association and the player maintaining privacy over the circumstances. At the time, the FA released a brief statement confirming White had left for “personal reasons” and would not return to the squad in Qatar. No further details were provided, and White himself has not publicly addressed the situation.
His last appearance in an England shirt came in March 2022, during a 3-0 friendly victory over Ivory Coast at Wembley. That match was part of England’s preparation for the Qatar World Cup, where White was initially selected in Southgate’s 26-man squad before his unexpected early exit.
White has earned just four caps for England since making his international debut, a modest tally that belies his consistent performances at club level. Since joining Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £50 million transfer in July 2021, the versatile defender has established himself as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side, primarily operating as a right-back but also capable of playing in central defence.
His club form has been exemplary during his time away from international duty. White has been instrumental in Arsenal’s recent title challenges, contributing to one of the Premier League’s most robust defensive units. His technical ability, tactical intelligence, and consistency have made him indispensable to the Gunners’ system.
The decision by Tuchel, who took charge of England in January following Southgate’s departure, to recall White suggests a fresh start for the defender on the international stage. Tuchel’s appointment marked a new era for English football, with the German becoming only the third foreign manager to lead the national team after Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
White is not the only change to Tuchel’s squad. His Arsenal teammate Eberechi Eze has withdrawn from the camp and been replaced by Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes. The 28-year-old Barnes, who earned his only previous England cap six years ago in 2019, represents another recall story, though on a far less dramatic scale than White’s return.
Notably absent from the squad is Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also plays in White’s right-back position. Alexander-Arnold’s omission is significant given his status as one of England’s most experienced and decorated players, with 33 caps and a crucial role in Liverpool’s successes before his January move to Spain.
The right-back position has been a source of debate for England in recent years. While Alexander-Arnold has often been preferred under previous management, his defensive vulnerabilities have drawn criticism, particularly in major tournaments. White’s return offers Tuchel another option in that area, one with a different profile—more defensively solid, less adventurous going forward.
England face Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on Friday in what will be Tuchel’s first match on home soil as England manager. The team then travel to face Japan on March 31, with both fixtures serving as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which begin later this year.
The Uruguay match will be particularly significant as England prepare for World Cup qualifying. The South American side, twice world champions in 1930 and 1950, present a stern test despite recent struggles. Japan, meanwhile, have emerged as one of Asia’s strongest footballing nations and provided one of the shocks of the 2022 World Cup by defeating both Germany and Spain in the group stage.
For White, these friendlies represent an opportunity to reintegrate himself into the England setup and stake a claim for a place in Tuchel’s plans for the World Cup qualifying campaign and potentially the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Whether this marks a permanent return to international football for White or merely a brief recall remains to be seen. Much will depend on his performances in these upcoming matches and his willingness to commit to the England cause long-term after three years away.
The 2026 World Cup qualifying draw placed England in a group yet to be finalised, but the team are expected to be among the favourites to secure automatic qualification. With Tuchel at the helm and a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, England will aim to improve on their recent near-misses at major tournaments.
White’s return adds another dimension to Tuchel’s options as England begin this new chapter, though questions about his three-year international exile are likely to persist unless the defender chooses to address them publicly.