Thomas Tuchel has explained that there were two reasons he decided not to call up Arsenal defender Ben White for the June internationals.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND: Ben White of Arsenal reacts during a training session and press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter final first leg match at Sobha Realty Training Centre on April 07, 2025. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Whilst Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka were all included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the June internationals on Friday, Ben White was left out once again.
In some ways, the decision was a little surprising, as both Tuchel and White had made it very clear that he was available for selection again.
But Tuchel explained that there were both personal and fitness reasons not to include the Arsenal defender on this occasion.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: Ben White of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
“We had a talk and we decided that it is at the moment not the moment,” Tuchel revealed. “He will become a father very soon, and the baby is due right on the exact date of the camp. It’s his first child and we wish him and his wife all the best for that.
“We thought if he comes back he should come back with a clear mind and a free mind and full focus on football, which is now not the case.
“A second reason is that he can still like 10, 15, maybe 20% increase in the physical ability (after his injuries). So giving all circumstances, we decided that he’s not with us.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Ben White of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and PSV at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
It’s true that White really hasn’t been back consistently for very long since his injury. Though he initially made his comeback in mid-February, he had multiple minor setbacks after that.
The 27-year-old has started Arsenal’s last two games, but those have been his first back-to-back starts in all competitions since October.
Slightly lacking on the fitness front and with a major distraction at home, White and Tuchel clearly agreed that this wasn’t the time to return after a long time away from the England squad.
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