England boss Thomas Tuchel speaks to Ben White forward of naming his first Three Lions squad… after Arsenal star refused to play for Gareth Southgate following fallout with former assistant
- Thomas Tuchel has spent the last few weeks watching games across Europe
- The German has also held conversations with several Three Lions players
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Thomas Tuchel has spoken to exiled defender Ben White as the England head coach prepares to name his first squad.
German coach Tuchel officially started work on January 1 and has spent the last seven weeks watching numerous games across Europe whilst also holding direct conversations with several players as he finalises his squad.
It remains to be seen whether White is included in Tuchel’s party next month ahead of the games versus Latvia and Albania after the Arsenal defender made himself unavailable for international duty ever since World Cup 2022 after a disagreement with then assistant head coach Steve Holland at the tournament.
Speaking in December, Tuchel revealed he would contact White about over a potential return to the England fold – with those conversations believed to have now taken place.
It is unclear whether the talks will lead to White, who is fit again following a three-month lay off after knee surgery, returning to England availability, with no indications of how the conversation went.
Arsenal are giving White space to make his decision and will support whatever choice he chooses.
Thomas Tuchel has spoken to Ben White (above) ahead of naming his first England squad
The Three Lions boss has spent the last seven weeks watching multiple games across Europe
White made himself unavailable for selection under ex-England manager Gareth Southgate (right) after falling out with former Three Lions assistant manager Steve Holland (left)
White, who can play across defence and even central midfield, would provide great versatility to Tuchel if he wants to play for England again – a clear benefit for any international coach particularly during tournaments.
At right-back, White’s usual position, England already have the likes of Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Tino Livramento.
But having the option of selecting White again would arrive as a boost to Tuchel as he starts his reign as England boss.
