Ben White: England defender says people don’t know ‘full story’ behind his self-inflicted exile from national team
Arsenal defender Ben White says people do not know the “full story” behind his decision to previously make himself unavailable for England selection – but says he would make the same decision again.
White, who has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures, left the Three Lions’ camp at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to return home for personal reasons.
He then made himself unavailable for selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s reign, and was booed by some fans in March’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine after returning to the squad under Tuchel.
Asked by BBC Radio 5 live’s football correspondent John Murray what he would say to people who define his England career by what happened in Qatar, White said: “I think obviously people don’t know the full story, because I [have] never said anything and I won’t put anyone under the bus or share any of that.
“I think that is probably the best way.
“It’s been amazing [though], obviously a bit tricky and not straightforward, but it is amazing to be here now.”
White is now 29 and asked if he would have done anything differently in hindsight, he added: “No, I don’t think I would.
“Obviously, I was a bit younger, I am a bit older now.
“I think as a person I am quite real and I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make.
“So, one that I am not happy about, but obviously it happened and [it is] time to move on.”
White came on for his first England appearance since 2022 in March’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay and was booed by some supporters before he scored but also gave away the penalty that led to the visitors’ equaliser.
After that, Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson said he and his fellow England players would always support White, while Tuchel said recently that the defender deserves “a new chapter” and “positive feedback from the crowd”.
Asked how he dealt with the emotions of that night at Wembley, White added: “Before the game I was thinking ‘don’t not stand out, but [take it] nice and easy’.
“Then I came on and obviously got booed, then I scored, then I gave away a penalty.
“So, it was obviously full of emotions that night, [but] it was a good night.”
England play Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November before taking on world champions Spain in Madrid three days later.
White is looking to add to his six England caps in this international break and said: It is obviously an amazing privilege to be called up.
“The feeling is the same every time you do get this chance to play for England. It’s one I am really looking forward to this week.”