How Ben White stopped playing for England - but talks with Thomas Tuchel leave door open

Talented Arsenal defender not included in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad - but door left open for Ben White return

Talented Arsenal defender has not been available for international selection since departing the Gareth Southgate's 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar.

White exited the camp just two matches into the tournament after falling out with former England assistant Steve Holland.

White's excellent form for Arsenal - which ultimately saw the Gunners narrowly pipped to the title by Manchester City - saw Southgate attempt to pick him for his squad for the 2023 March friendlies with Belgium and Brazil.

But, shortly afterwards, Southgate revealed that then Gunners sporting director Edu called him to say White categorically refused to be considered for selection.

As such, the 27-year-old made himself unavailable for the remainder of Southgate's reign - which included missing out on the run to the final of Euro 2024 in Germany.

White was not picked by England interim coach Lee Carsley durng last autumn's internationals, but new boss Tuchel insisted he would 'reach out.'

However, despite the publication of Tuchel's first Three Lions squad today, Friday (March 14) with the name of White still missing, the German boss insisted the door was still open for White to return to England duty. 

It is understood that White spoke with Tuchel during the German's formulaton of his first-ever England squad, but it was decided that the Arsenal defender still needed to build up full fitness after only recently returning from four months out, with the door left open for White's return. 

Speaking on Friday morning, Tuchel insisted that the Arsenal defender wanted to be back in the England squad, but White is a "bit too early" for his return post-injury.