Ben White has been called up for the England squad for the first time in three-and-a-half years, but the Arsenal defender still has work to do to convince supporters
Ben White has been recalled to the England set-up (Image: Getty Images)
The backlash over Ben White’s refusal to play for England has made his chances of a return much less likely. But now, more than three years after White featured for England at the 2022 World Cup, his time has finally come again.
Arsenal defender White is fully healthy, playing regularly and, when fit, is arguably one of the best right-backs in the Premier League.
But the baggage surrounding the 27-year-old has made it difficult for him to come back after being cast as a villain who doesn’t even like soccer.
The truth is that no player is the same and he was not happy at the Qatar World Cup. White didn’t feel he was part of it and Gareth Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland was an unpleasant figure, so White decided he wanted to go home.
Former England manager Southgate has always disputed the idea that it was due to a bust-up, but clearly all was not well during camp. From then on it seemed like he would never play for England again. Old traditionalists don’t like it when you reject your country.
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read more: The FA has been forced to move the Community Shield from Wembley due to scheduling issuesread more: Why Ben White despised England under Gareth Southgate after Steve Holland bust-up
And that’s understandable to some extent. But times are changing. Players change and we move on.
Mr Southgate made several contacts, most notably in March 2024, when Mr White made it clear he did not want to return and was not interested.
Mr Southgate’s decision to go public on the matter raised a few eyebrows, but it was clear there was no going back while he was in charge. Arsenal tried to avoid an uproar by announcing a new deal for White, but there was a bit of maneuvering behind the scenes.
But since Tuchel took over, there have been new strides and the old staff are gone…and White is up for it again.
White’s latest cap will be under Gareth Southgate in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)
White has publicly stated that he is ready to return, and Tuchel has also spoken to the Arsenal defender on a number of occasions and said he is thinking about it.
The story came to a head last week when White wanted to participate…but hasn’t heard back since. He is on a long list, with Tuchel saying around 55 names are being considered, but White definitely deserves to be on that list.
So, while there was a disappointment then, there is a reward now, and even if it is unlikely that he will play in this summer’s World Cup, we should not bet on it.
The reason he is up against it is because his stats are unfavorable compared to his rivals. Although he has only played seven games in the Premier League, his tackles and other statistics have been stacking up well.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle is crowd reaction. If we can overcome that…then we’ll be firmly back in the frame. He deserves it and it’s good that we can move on in these times. It happens in cricket, so why not soccer?
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