Thomas Tuchel reveals Ben White's stance on playing for England after his boycott under Gareth Southgate

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Ben White's stance on playing for England following his lengthy boycott under Gareth Southgate and his former assistant coach Steve Holland.

The Arsenal defender, 27, has not featured for his country since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Back in March last year, White asked to be left out of Gareth Southgate's 25-man squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, with reports suggesting he was unhappy and had fallen out with Steve Holland.

The Athletic later claimed that White and Holland had an exchange during the 2022 World Cup, with the Arsenal defender returning home from the squad due to 'personal reasons' days later.

It was then alleged in a report from The Telegraph that the rift began at England's base in Doha, after Holland asked Kyle Walker about Manchester City's performance during the 2021/22 season.

He then asked White the same question about Arsenal and it is claimed that the defender said he didn't know the answer. From there, Holland is said to have responded that was 'because White was not sufficiently interested in football'.

More than two years later and new England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that White has made himself available for the Three Lions following his hiatus.

Speaking in his press conference on Friday morning, the German told reporters: "He loves to be back in the squad but I think it's too early for him given the seriousness of the injury that he had."

Tuchel added: "I am delighted that he's back. He's had back-to-back trainings. We were monitoring his progress. Huge compliments to the medical and performance department at the FA and thanks to everyone at Arsenal."

Ben White is back for England: "He loves to be back in the squad. I just think it’s a bit too early now for him given the seriousness of his injury" pic.twitter.com/jQEw2F4r5a

— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) March 14, 2025

Tuchel's decision comes just days after former England international Nicky Butt said White should never be picked for the Three Lions again following his snub.

“He is good enough to go in the squad, he’s a top player, but he’s not that good to beg him to come back," said Butt. “There’s been a few over the years who have said, ‘I don’t want to play’ or ‘I want to get ready for next season’,

"In other words, 'I don’t want to play’ or ‘I don’t want to be sub’. Once you break that, I don’t think there should be any way back."

Thoughts on the situation with White? Let us know in the comments.