Ben White today received his initial summons to the England team, marking his first inclusion since his departure from the roster during the 2022 World Cup.
The Arsenal back, boasting four international appearances, was designated to step in for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah. Concurrently, Newcastle wide player Harvey Barnes joined the contingent, taking the spot of Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze.
Reports indicated Barnes had contemplated pledging his allegiance to Scotland before the World Cup, yet it seems he ultimately chose the Three Lions.
White Agrees to England Invitation Following Prior Rejections
Nevertheless, it is White’s participation – he featured in Arsenal’s EFL Cup final loss against Manchester City yesterday – that is poised to capture significant attention.
The 28-year-old formed part of the contingent that advanced to the Euro 2020 final, though without featuring in a match. Furthermore, he was incorporated into the assembly that journeyed to Qatar for the World Cup four years prior.
Midway through the competition, he went back home due to personal circumstances and did not rejoin. Accounts imply his displeasure stemmed from a remark made by Steve Holland, a member of Gareth Southgate’s coaching team.
Southgate disclosed his intention to summon White in March 2024, but had been informed of his unavailability.
That position has since altered, with Thomas Tuchel now at the helm.
A statement from England today declared: “Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes and Arsenal’s Ben White have been incorporated into the England roster.
“The duo steps in for Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah, both of whom are precluded from the Three Lions’ March international fixtures due to injury.
“Barnes registered his solitary showing for the senior side in October 2020, whereas White possesses four international appearances to his credit.”
Uruguay and Japan Challenges Await England
England will welcome Uruguay on Friday, subsequently confronting Japan on March 31, with both encounters scheduled at Wembley.
White might seize the opportunity to shine at right-back, given Reece James’s injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exclusion from the 35-player contingent chosen by Tuchel on Friday.
Barnes, a member of the Newcastle starting lineup vanquished by Sunderland in yesterday’s Tyne-Wear derby, will compete alongside club colleague Anthony Gordon and Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford.