England Squad Update: Barnes & White Called Up For Uruguay & Japan Friendlies
LONDON, England – Thomas Tuchel has made significant changes to the England squad ahead of upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley Stadium. Arsenal defender Ben White returns to the national team for the first time since November 2022, while Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes has been called up, replacing Eberechi Eze.
The inclusion of White marks a notable shift, particularly given his self-imposed exile from the England setup following a disagreement with then-assistant manager Steve Holland during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. White left the tournament citing “personal reasons,” a departure that sparked speculation about a falling out. He subsequently informed Gareth Southgate he did not wish to be considered for selection. Tuchel, however, engaged in discussions with White earlier this year, ultimately leading to his reintegration into the squad.
Barnes’ call-up comes as a result of an injury to Eze. The Newcastle forward, who reportedly turned down the opportunity to represent Scotland, has enjoyed an impressive season and will be looking to make his mark on the international stage. He previously earned his only senior cap in October 2020.
The changes aren’t limited to the senior squad. Several adjustments have been made at the youth levels as well. England’s MU19s will see Mikey Moore replaced by Harry Howell from Brighton & Hove Albion, while Ryan McAidoo has been replaced in the MU18s squad by Benjamin Casey of Crystal Palace. Harry Howell has also been called up to the MU19s, replacing Lorenz Hutchinson of Leicester City. The MU17s have also seen changes, with Brian Madjo, Joel Drakes-Thomas, and Marlow Bennett being replaced by Oliver Boast, Harvey Higgins, and Jacob Watson respectively.
White’s return is perhaps the most compelling narrative. The 28-year-old has featured prominently for Arsenal this season, including in their recent Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. His availability provides Tuchel with another option in defense, adding depth and competition for places ahead of the summer tournament in North America. The circumstances surrounding his previous departure, however, will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion.
Barnes’ inclusion offers Tuchel a different attacking dimension. The Newcastle winger has been a consistent performer in the Premier League, and his pace and direct running could prove valuable against Uruguay and Japan. His previous single cap came over six years ago, presenting a fresh opportunity to establish himself in the England setup.
England will host Uruguay on with a kick-off, followed by a match against Japan on , also at at Wembley Stadium. These friendlies serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming tournament, allowing Tuchel to assess his options and fine-tune his tactics.
The squad now consists of 19 outfield players and four goalkeepers, all vying for a spot in the final tournament roster. Tuchel will be hoping that the return of experienced players like White, coupled with the introduction of emerging talents like Barnes, will provide the squad with the necessary balance and quality to compete at the highest level.
The decision to recall White, in particular, signals a willingness from Tuchel to move past previous issues and prioritize squad harmony. His discussions with the player, as reported by White himself, suggest a positive and open dialogue. “I spoke to him a few times,” White said in May 2025. “He’s such a nice, nice man – very honest. I haven’t been back for too long. So it’s just about playing now and hopefully making my way back in.”
The upcoming matches against Uruguay and Japan will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as Tuchel looks to build a cohesive and competitive England team capable of challenging for honors on the international stage. The inclusion of both White and Barnes adds intrigue and excitement to the squad, and their performances will be key to determining their roles in the summer tournament.