Thomas Tuchel Discusses Ben White’s Recall and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Omission
Thomas Tuchel has defended the decision to recall Ben White to the England squad. He said White must “clear the air” with team-mates after his self-imposed break.
Background to the recall
White left the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for personal reasons. He had not featured in England’s group stage matches.
He later declined a March 2024 call-up after a disagreement with then-assistant coach Steve Holland. White told Tuchel he was ready to return and accepted a place in the current camp.
The defender replaces the injured Jarell Quansah. England face Uruguay in a friendly at Wembley on Friday. They then host Japan on Tuesday.
Tuchel’s comments on the return
In press remarks Thomas Tuchel Discusses Ben White’s Recall and the need for reconciliation. He said everyone deserves a second chance.
Tuchel added he did not know every detail of what happened. He said White reacted to the call quickly and emotionally.
The coach praised White’s training since arrival. He said the player had shown quality and readiness.
Tuchel stressed White must speak with team-mates from the 2022 squad and those in this camp. He also offered his own backing and urged fan support.
Selection choices and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Tuchel was asked why Trent Alexander-Arnold was overlooked in favour of White. He described the decision as a sportive choice.
Tuchel noted he had seen White perform in the Carabao Cup final and a recent Champions League match. He chose Ben, along with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence.
Regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Omission, Tuchel said the matter was discussed with the player on the phone. His blunt instruction was that the player must accept the decision.
Pressure and opportunity in the final camp
This is the final England camp before the coach names his World Cup squad. Tuchel said there was “positive pressure” on players to impress.
Eleven regulars will not join the group until after Friday’s friendly. That creates a chance for fringe players to stake a claim.
Tuchel said decisions would be taken later in May. He added the Uruguay friendly is an important opportunity to showcase form.
Amended England squad
| Goalkeepers | Dean Henderson*, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Aaron Ramsdale, Jason Steele |
|---|---|
| Defenders | Dan Burn*, Marc Guehi*, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa*, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, Nico O’Reilly*, Ben White, Djed Spence, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori |
| Midfielders | Elliot Anderson*, Jude Bellingham, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice*, Morgan Rogers*, Adam Wharton |
| Forwards | Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harvey Barnes, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon*, Harry Kane*, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka*, Dominic Solanke |
Players marked with an asterisk will join the squad after Friday’s game with Uruguay. Coverage of the camp and matches will appear on Filmogaz.com and other platforms.
