Tuchel speaks to White over England return, De Bruyne accepts new role

Thomas Tuchel has spoken to Arsenal defender Ben White over a potential England return, The Sun reports. The Arsenal full-back has not featured for his country since March 2022.

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De Bruyne’s new role Leverkusen want Man City’s McAtee Leicester backing Ruud

White has ruled himself out of contention ever since, missing the Euros last year under Gareth Southgate, but now the new Three Lions boss has made contact to see if the played would consider a call-up for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Sun adds: “England face Albania on March 21 before taking on Latvia on March 24.

“German coach Tuchel has spent the first seven weeks of his reign attending more than 20 live games across Europe and speaking to players in person or over video calls – including White.

“Speaking at the 2026 World Cup draw back in December, Tuchel confirmed that he would reach out to White and that has now happened.

“It is unknown what was said in the pair’s chat, as well as whether Arsenal would allow the player to join up with England having only just returned from a three-month lay-off after knee surgery.”

De Bruyne’s new role

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne accepts he will only have a bit-part role at the club next season with head coach Pep Guardiola set to decide whether it is worth keeping the Belgian, the Mirror reports.

De Bruyne is 33 and has already seen his game-time reduced this season, while his future remains uncertain with his current contract expiring in the summer.

The Mirror adds: “De Bruyne has started less than half of City’s games in the top flight this season in a sign that he can not longer keep up the demands of Guardiola’s relentless system.

“The modern day rigours of the game have also taken its toll after the player suffered a number of injures in recent years.

“De Bruyne was handed a surprise start for City against Liverpool but he was unable to have an impact as Guardiola subbed him off for the far less experienced James McAtee in the 66th minute, a damning moment for the playmaker.”

Leverkusen want Man City’s McAtee

Bayer Leverkusen have identified Manchester City midfielder James McAtee as their No 1 target this summer amid reports Florian Wirtz could go the other way, the Daily Mail reports.

The current German champions made an approach for the 22-year-old in January but City turned them down.

The Mail adds: “However, with Pep Guardiola’s side among those pursuing Leverkusen talisman Florian Wirtz this summer, the Germans are actively seeking a playmaker who could fill the void and they are prepared to push for McAtee in any negotiations with City.

“The 22-year old is well-regarded by Guardiola and was the first substitute the City boss turned to against Real Madrid in midweek and Sunday’s defeat by Liverpool.

“McAtee, who has one year left on contract this summer, has made no secret of his desire to nail down a regular place in City’s first team but competition in the attacking midfield positions is fierce. City could well lose Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne this summer but McAtee is attracted by the prospect of regular first-team football.

“City are among the front runners for Wirtz who at 21 is slightly younger than McAtee and has already established himself in the German national side.”

Leicester backing Ruud

Leicester continue to back head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy despite their run of 10 defeats in their last 11 Premier League games, the Telegraph reports. Van Nistelrooy has sacked two members of his backroom staff in the hope a change will revive their fortunes.

The Foxes are 19th in the table and have gone six home games without scoring a goal – losing all of them.

The Telegraph adds: “Before a crucial fortnight with games at West Ham and Chelsea, Van Nistelrooy has taken action by axing first-team coaches Ben Dawson and Danny Alcock.

“The pair both arrived under Steve Cooper and were called in by Van Nistelrooy on Monday morning and informed of the decision.

“Jelle ten Rouwelaar, the former goalkeeping coach at United, and Brian Barry-Murphy, from Manchester City, are the only backroom appointments made by Van Nistelrooy so far since his arrival in November.

“Former Leicester midfielder Andy King has also been promoted to the first team from the junior levels.”