Ben White is back in the England squad but fans will be shocked to see this Arsenal star miss out
Arsenal are preparing for their last Premier League game before the November international break, as they welcome Hull City to the Emirates on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's side could go six points clear of rivals Man City if they manage to get a win against the Tigers.
The upcoming international break will be a welcome one for the Gunners, who have a couple of injury concerns to worry about. Bukayo Saka and Ezri Konsa are both currently injured, although the latter's injury is only a minor issue.
Saka's absence has given the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Max Dowman more opportunities in the starting XI, and William Saliba's long-term injury has made Konsa one of Arsenal's standout players over the past month.
Thomas Tuchel selected 5 Arsenal players for the England squad
During the upcoming international break, England have two Nations League games. One is against Croatia on Thursday 12 November, and the other is a rematch of the 2024 Euros final against Spain on Sunday 15 November.
Tuchel announced his squad selection for the two games, and he picked five Arsenal players: Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Eberechi Eze.
White being selected was perhaps the biggest surprise, as he hasn't played for England since March, as he missed out on making the World Cup squad. The Arsenal defender has seen a solid amound of game time this season, stepping in regularly for Jurrien Timber at right back.
He has three assists in seven Premier League matches, so perhaps Tuchel is attracted by his attacking ability, especially as he wasn't able to select Chelsea fullback Reece James due to injury.
Leaving Madueke out is a puzzling choice from Tuchel
However, perhaps the biggest headline of Tuchel's squad selection with regards to Arsenal, is that he decided against picking Noni Madueke. The former Chelsea winger has featured both as a left-winger and a right-winger for the Gunners this year, more recently as the replacement for Saka on the right.
Madueke has quietly been one of Arsenal's best players this season, scoring three goals in 11 games, and providing an attacking spark in a team that really needs that difference-maker up front. According to WhoScored.com, Madueke has more key passes per game than any other Arsenal player; he also has the most dribbles per game, ranks second behind Saka in crosses, and has outperformed his expected goals by 0.59.
Looking at who Tuchel selected over Madueke doesn't make the decision any clearer. It's obvious that he's been better than Eze this season, and in terms of other wingers, he certainly should be picked ahead of Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha.
It's a baffling decision by Tuchel, but one Arsenal might welcome, because if Madueke isn't away on international duty, there's no risk of him getting injured.
