Arsenal star has a new opportunity with the national team after four years away.

Ben White, the Arsenal defender, has received a second chance to shine for the England national team, being called up for the international matches in March against Uruguay and Japan. This call marks his return to the national team after an absence that has stretched since 2022, and comes following the withdrawal of Jarell Quansah. Interestingly, Trent Alexander-Arnold, a player for Real Madrid, has again been overlooked in this selection.

White’s situation is particularly notable, considering he made his senior debut for the England team in June 2021, a month before completing a $69.5 million (£50 million) transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion to Arsenal. However, his presence in the national team was interrupted during the 2022 World Cup when he left the squad midway through the tournament. At the time, the reason was attributed to “personal reasons,” but rumors suggested a disagreement with then-assistant coach Steve Holland. Since then, White had chosen to step away from contention for the national team, but now, after a four-year hiatus, his rehabilitation seems to be beginning.

England coach Thomas Tuchel had spoken with White before announcing his first call-up last year, but only now, 12 months later, does the 28-year-old return to the national team. His inclusion is surprising, given his limited use by Arsenal this season, where he ranks fifth or sixth in the hierarchy of central defenders, with Jurriën Timber being the first choice at right back.

However, White’s versatility could be a decisive asset for Tuchel. The right-back position seems to be the most promising avenue for the player to secure a spot in the national team, especially with Reece James unavailable, Kyle Walker already retired, and Alexander-Arnold out of favor with the English coaches, despite being in good physical shape. With Tino Livramento and Djed Spence as the only right-backs called up for Tuchel’s extensive list of 35 players, all of them are undergoing a sort of trial to ensure a place in the final squad that will compete in the World Cup.

As for the central defense position, Marc Guéhi and Harry Maguire seem to be on track to be the starting duo in the World Cup, but John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Ezri Konsa, and Dan Burn are also in the running. Quansah, who is currently injured, will not be an option, but many of these players will struggle to secure a spot in the final selection.

Ben White now has the opportunity to prove his worth, but a place in the World Cup is not yet guaranteed. Expectations are high, and the pressure is immense for him to stand out in this new phase of his international career.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.