Thomas Tuchel should be considering seven-goal Arsenal ace for first England squad amid Ben White 'talks' - opinion

Arsenal defender Ben White has spent much of this season injured as he was dealing with a knee issue since November. It means that he’s made just 10 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season.

He has now come back from injury, making his first appearance back during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham. He is set to get more of an extended run in the team, which has sparked discussions over whether he will return to the England squad.

He hasn’t appeared for England since he left the 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar, and had requested that he not be considered for selection ever since. He left for ‘personal reasons’ and has never explained his decision about England since, however, he could now be considered by manager Thomas Tuchel for his first squad selection.

According to the Telegraph, the German manager is reportedly talking with White ahead of naming his first team selection for the international break which begins later in March. But should he consider one of White’s Arsenal teammates instead based on performances this season?

Tuchel should call Arsenal star Nwaneri up to the England squad

17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri should be in line for his first England call up in March, considering just how good his performances have been this season for the Gunners.

He’s made 25 appearances in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, scoring seven goals. Nwaneri has emerged as the replacement for Bukayo Saka, who remains out with a hamstring injury, so why can’t he replace Saka for England?

Nwaneri has become one of the most crucial attacking outlets for Arsenal, and with their recent injuries to attacking players, has emerged as their best option when going forward.

He can play both on the wings or down the middle, which would give Tuchel versatility in attack, and if you look at the other wingers who could play for England, he’s right up there with the best when it comes to current form.

Nwaneri compared to current England wingers

It could be argued that Newcastle star Anthony Gordon has been the best, but after that, a case could be made for starting Nwaneri over the likes of Noni Madueke, Morgan Rodgers, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Jack Grealish.

According to WhoScored.com, Nwaneri has played the best this season when starting on the right-hand side, with an average match rating of 7.57. In the last international break, Lee Carsley picked Noni Madueke in that position, he has an average rating of 7.1.

Furthermore, Madueke has only scored two goals in all competitions since the start of 2025, whereas Nwaneri has netted three times, and has also been given two player of the match awards.

If Madueke is good enough to start for England, then Tuchel should consider calling up Nwaneri in March instead. A winger pairing of Gordon and Nwaneri, with Harry Kane up front could cause serious issues for Albania and Latvia, who the Three Lions play in March.

In other news, Gabriel Martinelli is getting closer to a return from his hamstring injury as a fresh update emerged last week.