Ben White’s England return postponed after latest injury setback
THOMAS TUCHEL has been handed a major injury headache ahead of England’s most difficult World Cup qualifier.
The German manager names his squad tomorrow for the forthcoming qualifier at home to Andorra on Saturday week and the difficult trip to Serbia three days later.
A number of players are currently sidelined including Ben White. Sunsport understands the centre-back would have returned to the squad had he not suffered a slight injury with Arsenal.
White has not played for England since returning home from the World Cup in 2022 due to personal reasons.
He has spoken to Tuchel and confirmed he is ready to return to international duty. But he has suffered a niggling issue which ruled him out of Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds and he is also likely to miss Sunday’s trip to Liverpool so should return after the international break.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham will also be absent for England as he recovers from a shoulder operation while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is also out with a hamstring problem.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is struggling with a groin problem so might not be included. Team-mate Levi Colwill is out for the season with an ACL injury.
Tuchel will therefore have to recall players he has previously dropped. Jack Grealish is hoping his loan move to Everton from Manchester City will boost his World Cup chances and the attacking midfielder will be hoping to be included after a good performance against Brighton on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United at Barcelona, will also hope to return to the squad as he was injured for the qualifiers in June.
With Colwill absent, Tuchel might have to turn to either Manchester United’s Harry Maguire or Eric Dier, who has moved to Monaco.
Fit-again Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is also hoping to reclaim his England spot along with team-mate Mason Mount and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
England have won all three of their games in Group K but have been unconvincing. Serbia have just four points but have only played twice.
Incredibly, England have sold out the Andorra game at Villa Park while 5000 fans are travelling to Belgrade for the Serbia game.
