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Ben White's time in England exile is over nearly four years on from his premature departure from the Qatar World Cup
Ben White of England looks on during the England Training Session at Al Wakrah Stadium on November 26, 2022
Ben White is back in the England squad for the first time since the World Cup 2022(Image: Getty Images)
Everything we know about Ben White's England fallout
Sudden departure: Ben White left England’s training base in Al Wakrah, Qatar, midway through the group stages of the World Cup 2022. The FA issued a brief statement citing "personal reasons" and requested that the player's privacy be respected.
Steve Holland exchange: Reports emerged that a verbal exchange had occurred between White and England’s assistant manager, Steve Holland, in front of the rest of the squad. Holland reportedly questioned White’s interest in football after the defender was unable to answer a question about Arsenal’s tactical statistics from the previous season.
"Interest" jibe: During this meeting, Holland allegedly suggested that White’s lack of knowledge was due to him not being "sufficiently interested" in the sport. This comment was particularly pointed because White had previously admitted in interviews that he does not watch football in his spare time.
Preparation disagreements: Further reports suggested that the coaching staff were frustrated by White’s perceived lack of preparation regarding the strengths and weaknesses of opponents like the USA. This friction reportedly made White feel uncomfortable and undervalued within the elite international environment.
Difficulty integrating: Beyond the tactical clash, it was reported that White struggled to fully integrate into the squad’s social dynamic off the pitch. This sense of isolation, combined with the lack of playing time during the tournament, potentially contributed to his desire to return home.
Ongoing unavailability: Following the World Cup, White informed Gareth Southgate through Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, that he did not wish to be considered for future call-ups. Despite his form for Arsenal, he remained firm in this stance for nearly two years, effectively placing his international career on hold.
Southgate’s Defence: Southgate consistently denied that a "row" was the primary reason for White's absence, defending Holland’s professionalism in several press conferences. However, he admitted that there was a "reticence" from White’s side that the coaching staff had to respect.
A New Era: With the transition to a new coaching staff under Thomas Tuchel, the door reopened for White's return to the national set-up. And despite not making Tuchel's initial 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, he was later called up to replace the injured Jarell Quansah.