Ben White has earned his first England call-up since November 2022, replacing the injured Jarell Quansah in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming matches against Uruguay and Japan. Harvey Barnes also joins the squad in place of Eberechi Eze.
White, an Arsenal defender, last featured for the Three Lions during the Qatar World Cup but left the camp following an alleged dispute with then-assistant Steve Holland. He later informed head coach Gareth Southgate that he preferred not to be considered for selection ahead of Euro 2024. Thomas Tuchel first contacted White in February before naming his squad, eventually reintegrating the right-back over a year later.
The 24-year-old played the full Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, though he has made only seven Premier League appearances this season, totaling 411 minutes.
Barnes receives a call-up just a month after declining the chance to play for Scotland ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Eligible through his maternal grandparents, the Newcastle winger has previously earned a single England cap, featuring in a friendly against Wales in October 2020.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke confirmed that Barnes has decided to focus on securing his place with England following February’s Nations League draw. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Clarke said: “This time I can say for sure, Harvey’s going to concentrate on trying to play for England, he’s not going to come to Scotland. You can put that one out there. Nobody needs to ask me or Harvey about it any more. Am I disappointed? No, listen, Harvey can make up his own mind. We move on.”