Ben White says he has no complaints after being booed when ending international exile at Wembley
Ben White said he has no complaints about being booed by England fans at Wembley when he ended his international exile by coming off the bench in the 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay earlier this year. He has rejoined Thomas Tuchel’s England squad after missing last month’s camp because of injury.
White became unpopular with some supporters after leaving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar early for personal reasons and subsequently made himself unavailable for the remainder of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager. His first England appearance in almost four years arrived during the friendly with Uruguay last March, when he was met with a frosty reception at Wembley after coming on as a substitute.
“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.”
Thomas Tuchel has ignored the negative reaction and wants to work with White. White scored the opening goal against Uruguay and then conceded a late penalty that produced the 1-1 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, said he would not publicly discuss the circumstances that led 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 said he would not change his past decision. “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, and White 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 has said 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.”
White said Tuchel did not have to persuade him hard to return to England. “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.
White is part of the England squad preparing for Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain this week.