Ben White defends England exile decision, returns to squad

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Nov, 20:08 · Archive

Arsenal defender Ben White, who left the 2022 World Cup camp for personal reasons and made himself unavailable for years, says he would make the same decision again.

Ben White left the England camp at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for personal reasons and subsequently made himself unavailable for selection for the remainder of Gareth Southgate's time as manager. After nearly four years out of the international set-up, the Arsenal defender has now been recalled by new England manager Thomas Tuchel and included in his squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

White made his return appearance in March's 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay, where he came off the bench after more than three years away from the squad. He was booed by some fans at Wembley on that occasion, having become unpopular with supporters over his exit from Qatar. White subsequently scored but also conceded a late penalty in the same match.

When asked about his international exile, White said that people "do not know the full story" but insisted he would not discuss the details further. "I will never say anything and I won't put anyone under the bus or share any of that," he said. The Mirror reports that White cried when he suffered an injury that ruled him out of the 2024 World Cup in the United States, suggesting his commitment to playing for England remains strong.

Regarding the boos from fans, White expressed no resentment. "Everyone can do whatever they want," he said. "If they did know the full story, maybe they wouldn't." He acknowledged that communication had not been great during the events leading to his departure from Qatar.

White, now 29, said that as a person he is "quite real" and would probably continue to make the same decision, having had time to mature since 2022. Tuchel has made clear he wants to work with the defender, who has been in strong form for Arsenal this season. White returns to the squad after missing last month's England camp through injury.

How it is being reported

• 'I've never revealed the whole story': England fans wouldn't boo me if they knew the truth, says Ben White... as he defends World Cup walkout and rejecting call-upsCRAIG HOPE: The defender left the camp in Qatar after the group stages citing 'personal reasons', although a fallout with Gareth Southgate's assistant, Steve Holland, was later reported.Daily Mail Sport · 9 Nov, 20:04
• Ben White says he has no complaints at boos from England fans over self-imposed exileArsenal defender was jeered during draw with Uruguay ‘Everyone can do whatever they want,’ says White Ben White has said he has no complaints at being booed by England fans when he ended his international exile during the 1-1 draw with Uruguay this year. The Arsenal defender, who has returned to Thomas Tuchel’s squad after missing last month’s camp because of injury, became unpopular with some supporters after leaving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar early for personal reasons. White made himself unavailable for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s time in charge and was given a frosty reception from…Guardian Sport · 9 Nov, 20:00
• Ben White reveals heartbreaking reaction to missing World Cup and response to England boosArsenal defender Ben White is now firmly back in the England fold under Thomas Tuchel and has his sights set on playing a major role after missing the World Cup this summerMirror Sport · 9 Nov, 20:00
• People don't know full story behind England exile - WhiteArsenal defender Ben White says people don't know the "full story" behind his decision to previously make himself unavailable for England selection - but says he would make the same decision again.BBC News · 9 Nov, 19:00

In this story: Ben White · England · Arsenal · Thomas Tuchel · Gareth Southgate · Qatar · Uruguay

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