New Delhi, March 24 -- Arsenal defender Ben White is back in the England squad for the first time since walking out on the team midway through the last World Cup.

White was called up by national coach Thomas Tuchel on Monday for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan as a replacement for the injured Jarell Quansah. White previously made himself unavailable to England following his premature departure from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and never publicly declared why.

Former coach Gareth Southgate wanted 28-year-old White before the 2024 European Championship but was unable to persuade him.

"For me, that is a great shame," Southgate said at the time. "He would be in this squad but he's not available to us and I have to focus on who can help...