What Thomas Tuchel has said about Ben White as England await Arsenal full-back’s decision

Thomas Tuchel has undertaken his first press conference as England manager since being appointed to the role. There is plenty of intrigue and numerous narratives that surround the decision for the German to take the position but from an Arsenal perspective one stands out perhaps over others.

Ben White’s relationship with the national side has been difficult since the 2022 World Cup. He has yet to play a game since March of that same year and has not been called up to a squad since the last World Cup.

Gareth Southgate maintained that the door remained open after he told the media that sporting director Edu had said that White was not available for selection. The Athletic reported an incident between Steve Holland and White had occurred after a comment was made although that was said to have been cleared up afterwards.

The reality is that, no matter the unknowns, White’s position has not changed. Under Lee Carsley, the interim coach explained that he had not been made aware of any change of stance in his answer regarding White’s situation.

“As far as I’m aware, he wasn’t available for selection, and nothing has changed in my two weeks of being here,” Carsley said.

“That is where I am at. I have seen in some of the press reports he was open to it but it has gone no further. As far as I’m aware, there has been no change there.”

As for Tuchel, he was not asked in the live section of the press conference about his decision on White ahead of his first squad in the coming months – Carsley will continue in charge for the November international break and Tuchel’s first games will be next March. Tuchel did come into contact with White last season as the head coach of Bayern Munich, however.

Ahead of the meeting between the two sides, he was asked about the Gunners’ strengths and made mention to the full-back. Arsenal’s right-hand side was heavily praised by the coach.

“With Saka and Odegaard, they always attack on the right, at least the beginning of many attacks, which sometimes end up on the left,” Tuchel said before the game.

“But Arsenal try to shift the game to the right side first, to create an overlap there with Odegaard and often via the right-back, Ben White, to either get through there or to play a quick switch with runners in the left half-space or the left wing.”

It is evident he understands well the Arsenal system, one he may well inherit to a degree with White and Bukayo Saka when he takes charge of the side. Odegaard of course will not be present, but with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Jack Grealish he is not short of creative attacking midfield options to try and find a solution should he wish to emulate the Arsenal setup.

He may, however, have ideas about how to incorporate Reece James when fit, having worked with him at Chelsea. Or he may look to Trent Alexander-Arnold among other potential options for the role.

Time will tell and there will be plenty of excitement when it comes close to the announcement of his first squad. White could also be asked on the subject in the time between now and then, which could also provide some much-needed clarity on the situation.