Alan Shearer believes new England manager Thomas Tuchel will get in touch with Arsenal defender Ben White to gather his interest in returning to the national team.

White hasn’t represented England since earning his fourth cap in March 2022, opting against making himself available at the end of Gareth Southgate’s reign.

He isn’t expected to be in Lee Carsley’s final squad, either. However, Shearer has tipped Tuchel to hold talks.

“With Thomas Tuchel taking charge in the New Year, I wonder if it is a chance to see Ben White come back into the England fold,” Shearer told Betfair.

“White’s situation is a strange one, and I, for one, don’t know the background; we all hear different rumours as to why he left the England camp or why he doesn’t want to be selected, but I don’t know whether they’re true.

“I suspect that Thomas Tuchel will want to have a conversation with Ben or Arsenal and try to find out why he doesn’t want to be selected if that is the case.

“If Ben doesn’t, then you must respect that, and that doesn’t mean I agree with it, but you have to respect it.

“Thomas Tuchel will likely have a conversation with him and see whether he’s open to coming back into the squad.”