England release blunt statement after confirming Ben White's first call-up since 2022
England have confirmed a shock return to the national team for Ben White after two injury withdrawals.
Thomas Tuchel announced a 35-man squad for England's March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan but changes have had to be made following injuries.
Eberechi Eze and Jarell Quansah have both had to pull out and that has provided opportunities for Harvey Barnes and White.
Newcastle's Barnes turned down an international allegiance switch to Scotland and received his reward, while Arsenal defender White has come back into the fold a year after Gareth Southgate revealed he did not want to be considered for England selection.
Capped four times, the former Brighton man left England's 2022 World Cup campaign for "personal reasons" and it was reported that he had a falling out with assistant coach Steve Holland.
Naturally, England's official statement did not address the elephant in the room.
"Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes and Arsenal's Ben White have been added to the England squad," the Three Lions said in a brief statement.
"The pair replace Arsenal's Eberechi Eze and Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah who are ruled out of the Three Lions' March internationals through injury.
"Barnes made his only appearance for the senior team in October 2020 while White has four caps to his name."
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Topics: England, Thomas Tuchel, Ben White