World Cup 2026: Should Ben White make the England squad?

As we're into November now and Thomas Tuchel has selected his final England squad of 2025, we are starting to get an idea of who he will be taking him to the World Cup finals next summer.

There is still a lot of time before the German coach needs to pick his final squad and there is still time for a few twists and surprises based on what happens in the domestic football season. Perhaps Ben White could play his way back into contention? Below I take a look at whether the Arsenal man should make the England squad.

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As of this moment, I can't see any way in which White comes back into the England fold ahead of the World Cup. There are both better centre-back and right-back options ahead of him in the pecking order, and while his versatility may be useful, the Three Lions would have the depth they need.

Then there is also the small matter of him alienating the supporters because he was constantly declining call-ups when Gareth Southgate was in charge. This frustrated a lot of people who bit back saying they would love to be in his position.

But as we know, White has said previously that he may be a footballer, however, he is not as involved with the sport - paying no interest to it beyond matchday. Essentially, he's England's answer to Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Today's Football Fixtures

Although, White revealed earlier in the year that he had some positive conversations with Tuchel which hinted that the former Brighton & Hove Albion man is eager to reignite his international career. He has not been called up since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Even if his stance has changed, White has a lot of work cut out for him at Arsenal to make himself a first-team regular. He is currently playing second fiddle to the impressive Jurrien Timber for that right-back berth. Timber is another converted centre-back but he holds the right side like it's natural to him.

As a result, White has been limited to two starts across the Champions League and Premier League, with the 28-year-old being assured of more minutes in the Carabao Cup so far, having started both ties the Gunners have played this season.

England World Cup 2026 Squad Odds

If his plan is to make the Three Lions squad next summer, White has a big few months ahead of him. If his position at Arsenal remains the same, he may have to consider a move to get some regular game time in the second half of the season to try and play his way into Tuchel's thinking.

It seems an unlikely situation for him to quit Arsenal, particularly as they do not have another senior right-back on the books, and I also think his chances of getting on the plane in 2026 are slim.