Arsenal defender Ben White has been called up to the England national team for the first time in over three years, replacing Jarrel Quansah in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Tuchel named his 35-man roster for this round of international fixtures last week. Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice were all included, although there was no room for White or Myles Lewis-Sklley.
That was until Monday morning, when it was announced that White has been summoned to the Three Lions’ ensemble for the first time since his dramatic exit from Gareth Southgate’s 2022 World Cup camp.
🚨 Ben White has been called-up to the England squad for the first time since leaving 2022 World Cup early, after Jarell Quansah withdrew due to injury. ✅🦁 pic.twitter.com/4A98Cbs335
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) March 23, 2026
Ben White called up to England squad
After an impressive 2020/21 season with Brighton, White earned his spot in England’s squad for Euro 2021. This was his first call-up to the national team, and it ultimately led to his move to Arsenal that summer.
Producing an impressive first 18 months in North London, he was then named in Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar. However, after a supposed bust-up with Southgate’s assistant manager Steve Holland, White left the tournament early and has since not pulled on the England shirt in any capacity.
His almost four-year exile has now come to an end. After Bayer Leverkusen defender Quansah pulled out due to injury, Tuchel called upon White for the very first time.
The Arsenal right-back could be in line for his first international appearance since 2022 this Friday when England host Uruguay at Wembley. This would be just his fifth cap for his country.
Ben White could be sold by Arsenal this summer
White has struggled with injury over the last 12 months and has ultimately fallen in the pecking order at Arsenal. Jurrien Timber is now firmly ahead of him in Arteta’s right-back hierarchy, and thus, there are some doubts around White’s future.
That said, with Timber out injured, the 28-year-old has started Arsenal’s last two matches and has impressed in the process. If he enjoys his time in the England camp over the next ten days or so, this may tempt him to push for a move away in the summer, with his call-up clearly prompted by his recent game time.
Arsenal are reportedly considering cashing in on White anyway. The Gunners are eager to sign a younger and less injury-prone full-back who can compete with and challenge Timber in the long-term.
The likes of Tino Livramento, Wesley Franca and Michael Kayode have been mooted as potential targets for the North Londoners.
Eberechi Eze withdraws from England squad
While White will be engaged in some intensive training at St. George’s Park this week, Eze will not. The attacking midfielder was named in Tuchel’s ensemble last week, but after missing the Carabao Cup final through injury, he has now withdrawn.
The former Crystal Palace man sustained a knock against Bayer Leverkusen last week, and was subsequently forced off the pitch mid-way through the second half. He was then unexpectedly left out of Arteta’s squad at Wembley on Sunday, and it appears as though the Arsenal medical team aren’t prepared to take any risks on him over the next two weeks.
Arteta does not sound positive, at all, on Eze's injury. Eze won't be going away with England next week.
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) March 22, 2026
"We have to do another scan in six or seven days and wait to see the results. It’s his calf." #AFC
Eze will remain in the care of the London Colney doctors, keeping his feet up until the Gunners’ next play.
Elsewhere, Noni Madueke has also withdrawn from the England squad after leaving Wembley with strapping on his left wrist. He was involved in an accidental collision in Arsenal training on Friday, causing this injury.
