Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Ben White has had a difficult relationship with the England national team in recent years.
The Arsenal defender refused to play for his country after falling out with Steve Holland while Gareth Southgate was still the Three Lions boss. That changed after Thomas Tuchel took charge, with White getting a call-up earlier this year.
Since then, injuries have kept the Englishman away from his national side. Some fans of the country are still completely against the idea of seeing him wear the white shirt again.
However, Tuchel recently said something about England’s right-back position that convinced us that White will be recalled in the very near future.
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Thomas Tuchel could recall Ben White to England squad because of Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is one of Tuchel’s most important players in the England squad.
The Arsenal number seven was one of the best players on the pitch when the Three Lions beat Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League on Saturday night. Saka scored twice and was a constant threat.
Jarell Quansah played behind the winger in that game, as he did against Spain earlier in this international break. Trent Alexander-Arnold got an opportunity at right-back against Czechia.
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Tuchel has had to pick between the two defenders in the last three games, and he put a lot of thought behind his selection each time. One of his big requirements was the chemistry between the right-back with Saka.
He told talkSPORT: “It’s easy, it’s a competition between Trent and Jarell. It’s not isolated; it’s just them under the microscope. It’s also how we want to play: what strengths does the opponent have? Where do we want to implement ourselves?
“And how’s the connection, for example, with Bukayo? What is a good addition to Bukayo that makes life for Bukayo easier, and helps him?”
That last line is really interesting because if Tuchel’s criteria for his right-back is to make Saka better, there is no better choice out there than Ben White.
The two England internationals have formed a tremendous partnership at Arsenal over the years and complement each other incredibly well on the right flank every time they play. They have a brilliant understanding and know exactly what to do in attack.
Tuchel left White out during this international break because he was injured, but we expect that to change in the next international break in November.
If White is available, his return to the England squad becomes a no-brainer, and his partnership with Saka on the right wing could be exactly what Tuchel and his Three Lions need.
Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images
Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images