Mikel Arteta greeted “brave” Ben White after he told Thomas Tuchel that he wants a return from England.
The Arsenal defender has not played for his country since he left the Qatar World Cup from 2022 early in the midst of an alleged Fallout with assistant Steve Holland.
But White, 27, told the boss of New England Tuchel that he would “like to” end his exile – although it was not fit enough to be in yesterday's team.
This is despite three Lions -legend Stuart Pearce Warning: “If players let you go once, they will always disappoint you.”
But Gunners Chief Arteta hit back: “Ben Ben was very brave and not many people would have done it.
“I was very involved with [White refusing to be called up].
“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear to me the reason why he made that decision.
'It's not about it [letting his country down]. It was about looking at the situation and saying: “I can't handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country as I feel now.”
“So it was completely the opposite. What many people would do is hide in that area.
“What the outcome is, what I want is that Ben is happy.” Knowing that he is not affected by someone else.
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“And if they thought that chemistry between Thomas and him, that's great. If he wants to come and Thomas wants him, great.
“He has the level and potential to achieve great things with the national team.”
Tuchel held conversations with right back White before he left him out of his first English team to face Albania on Friday and Latvia three days later.
White made a first start since November in Arsenal's 2-2 Champions League-equal game with PSV Eindhoven after a knee.
Tuchel said: 'He likes to be back in the team. It is a bit too early, given the injury he had.
“We followed his training. We are on it and speak with Ben. I'm glad he's back.
“It is a question about getting more minutes and rhythm. He has every chance to be back. He is happy to be back. “
Arsenal Superkid Ethan Nwaneri earned a first call from England under the age of 21.
The attacker, 17, will be involved for friendly competitions with France and Portugal.
Academy Kid Nwaneri enjoyed a beautiful breakout season under Arteta with eight goals in all competitions and was even advertised for a senior call-up.
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