Arsenal ace Ben White snubbed as Thomas Tuchel forced into last-minute England decision

Thomas Tuchel has snubbed Ben White following the omission of Reece James from the England squad. The 25-year-old defender suffered an injury during Chelsea's dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Shortly after the clash, James uploaded a picture of a wound on his shin to social media. The Cobham graduate, who had started four of the Three Lions' last five games, has dropped out of the squad, and he'll miss a friendly against Wales on Thursday and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia next Tuesday.

Rather than call up White, Tuchel has promoted Nico O'Reilly. The 20-year-old midfielder, who plays at left-back for Manchester City, has caught the eye this season, starting seven out of a possible 10 games across all competitions.

White, however, has rarely featured since he suffered a knock during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. His last appearance for the Gunners came in the UEFA Champions League last week.

White struggled to impress in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium, and he was hooked before the hour mark. While Tuchel snubbed the former Brighton and Leeds United defender on this occasion, he remains in contention for a place in next year's World Cup squad.

Back in March, when Tuchel took the reins, he announced that White wants to be considered again, having previously fallen out with Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland. When faced by reporters, the former Chelsea boss was asked if the 27-year-old took himself out of the shop window.

"Absolutely not," said Tuchel. "He loves to be back in the squad. It's a bit too early, given the seriousness of the injury he had, and I'm delighted he's back.

"We've been monitoring his training - huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA, and thanks to everyone at Arsenal. We are on it, and we are speaking to Ben.

"It's now a question about getting more minutes and rhythm. He has had every chance to be back. He wants to and he's glad to be back."

Despite opening the door to his return, White was left out of the England squad in May. Explaining the decision, Tuchel said: "He made very strong progress.

"We had a talk and we decided that at the moment this is not the moment, because he will become a father very soon. The baby is due during the camp. We wish him all the best for that."

White will now begin preparations for Arsenal's next clash in the Premier League. After the international break, Fulham will host the Gunners at Craven Cottage.

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