Ben White has been called up to the England squad for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, when he entered a self-imposed exile from international football.
He replaces Jarell Quansah in Tuchel’s squad for the final camp ahead of this summer’s World Cup, with England set to play two friendly games in the coming days against Uruguay and Japan.
White’s England team-mate Eberechi Eze has withdrawn from the squad, and has been replaced by Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes.
The right back left the Three Lions camp during the group stages of Qatar 2022, with the FA citing ‘personal reasons’ behind his departure at the time.
He is reported to have taken exception to a bust-up with Gareth Southgate’s No 2, Steve Holland, and maintained that he would not return to the England squad. He was so sure on not ending his exile that he organised his 2023 wedding on an international break long before squads were even announced.
Tuchel, who officially replaced Southgate last January, said before he was appointed that he would reach out to White with the view of returning him to the fold.
White himself confirmed last May that he had made himself available to Tuchel, saying: ‘I’m definitely available. I spoke to him a few times.
‘He’s such a nice, nice man – very honest. I haven’t been back for too long. So it’s just about playing now and hopefully making my way back in.’
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