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 the Wembley crowd when he came off the bench to make his first England appearance in almost four years during the friendly with Uruguay last March.
“Everyone can do whatever they want,” White told BBC 5 Live as he prepared for England’s Nations League games against Croatia and Spain this week. “It’s fine with me. Whatever they want to do, and I think just think about maybe not knowing the full story. And if they did, maybe they wouldn’t.”
Tuchel has ignored the negative reaction. The England manager wants to work with White, who followed scoring the opening goal against Uruguay by giving away a late penalty for the equaliser.
“Before the game I was thinking: ‘Don’t not stand out, but just nice and easy,’” White said. “Then I came on and obviously get booed. Then I score. Then I give away a pen. It was obviously full of emotions that night, and it was a good night.”
White, who has been in fine form for Arsenal this season, continues to steer clear of giving his take on the events leading to his exit from Qatar. “A load’s been said,” he said. “I’ve probably seen all of it and I think people don’t know the full story because I’ve never said anything and won’t put anyone under the bus or share any of that. I think it’s probably the best way. Obviously a bit tricky and not straightforward, but it’s amazing to be here now.”
The 29-year-old does not think he would have done anything differently. “I don’t think I would,” White said. “I was a bit younger. I’m a bit older now. As a person I’m quite real, and I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make. One that I’m not happy about but it happened. It’s time to move on.”
Tuchel’s hopes of taking White to the World Cup last summer were dashed by a knee injury at the end of last season. White, who can play at right-back and in central defence, would probably have been part of the squad and he told TalkSport he cried when he realised he was out of contention. Injuries have disrupted his progress in recent years but he has made 12 appearances for Arsenal this season and he hopes to earn a place at Euro 2028.
“I’ve been obviously around it and not quite put my foot in the door in these big games,” White said. “It’s definitely something I want to do and be involved in.”
Tuchel did not have to work hard to persuade him to return to the England fold, he said: “The boss didn’t need to say too much. The effort he made to speak to me and reach out was so nice, and I really appreciated it. I think when you see a manager like that you want to learn from him. It was a huge thing to play for Thomas.”
Dan Burn has been called into the squad after Marc Guéhi withdrew with an injury.
