Head coach wanted to include him since his arrival but has had to wait for right-back’s first recall since quitting squad during 2022 World Cup
It was surely the moment of the match for Arsenal, albeit the bar was set low. The Carabao Cup final on Sunday appeared to be beyond them, Manchester City 2-0 up with 20 minutes to go and now Rayan Cherki was taking the mickey. The City winger controlled a crossfield pass on his chest and proceeded to play a bit of keepy-uppy.
Ben White was having none of it and when the ball was returned to Cherki, the Arsenal right-back smashed through him, picking up a yellow card but able to sport it like a badge of honour. The City manager, Pep Guardiola, shook his head – definitely at Cherki – and it is fair to say that White’s old‑school reaction played well with everyone at Arsenal.
What of Thomas Tuchel? The England manager, who was in the Wembley posh seats, has never been averse to a bit of devilment. Less than 24 hours later, he had given White an England recall.
It was not for that reason, of course – however much fun it might be to imagine it that way. Tuchel has wanted to involve White ever since he named his first squad last March. It has not been possible, mainly because of White’s injury problems. The stars have finally aligned, Jarell Quansah’s withdrawal giving Tuchel the opportunity he has long talked about in private – and with White, as well.
