Ben White says public does not know ‘full story’ behind England absence as he rejoins squad
Ben White said people do not know the "full story" behind his previous decision to make himself unavailable for England and has stated he would make the same choice again, after being named in Thomas Tuchel's squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures; White made his first England appearance in more than three years against Uruguay in March.
White left England's camp at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to return home for personal reasons and subsequently made himself unavailable for selection for the remainder of Gareth Southgate's tenure; he is now 29 and said he would not change that decision. "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," he added.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live's football correspondent John Murray about how his England career is defined 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."
The coverage notes White was booed by some fans in March's 1-1 draw with Ukraine after returning to the squad under Tuchel. The same month he came on for his first England appearance since 2022 in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, when he was booed before he scored and then gave away the penalty that led to the visitors' equaliser.
Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of that night at Wembley, White said: "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." Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson said he and his fellow England players would always support White, while Tuchel said the defender deserves "a new chapter" and "positive feedback from the crowd".
White is aiming to add to his six England caps during this international break and expressed his feelings about the call-up: "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."
He could increase his England appearances in the Nations League double-header scheduled for Thursday, 12 November against Croatia at Wembley and three days later against Spain in Madrid.
