Ben White has publicly addressed the frosty reception he received from England supporters during the 1-1 draw against Uruguay earlier this year. The Arsenal defender, who made his return to international duty after a lengthy absence, stated that he holds no grievances toward fans who jeered him. White had become a controversial figure for some sections of the support after leaving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar early due to personal circumstances, subsequently opting out of Gareth Southgate’s squads.
Reflecting on the hostile welcome at Wembley during his first England appearance in nearly four years, White told BBC 5 Live that he respects the supporters’ perspective. “Everyone can do whatever they want,” he remarked ahead of England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. “It’s fine with me. Whatever they want to do, I think they just do not know the full story. If they did, maybe they wouldn’t [boo].” “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. And it was a good night.”, it was obviously full of emotions that night. One that I’m not happy about but it happened. “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, who is currently in strong form for his club, remains committed to keeping the details of his 2022 exit private.
He noted that he has seen much of the public speculation but chooses not to defend himself by shifting blame elsewhere. “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. I think it’s probably the best way. Despite the complexity of the situation, he maintains that he does not regret his past decisions, even acknowledging that he was younger and might make the same choice again today. And I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make, as a person I’m quite real.
The 29-year-old’s path back to the national team setup has been complicated by persistent injury issues. A knee problem prevented him from joining the squad last summer, an experience he admitted left him in tears. Now fit, he has made 12 appearances for Arsenal this season and is focused on securing a spot for Euro 2028. He credited Thomas Tuchel for his straightforward approach, noting that the manager did not need to persuade him extensively to return, as the effort Tuchel made to reach out was deeply appreciated. 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.
Tuchel appears keen to integrate the versatile defender, who can slot in at right-back or in central defense, despite the mixed reaction from the stands. The manager’s trust remains intact following a chaotic debut return against Uruguay, where White scored the opener only to later concede a penalty for the opposition’s equalizer. For the current international camp, Dan Burn has been added to the roster following an injury withdrawal for Marc Guéhi. Who followed scoring the opening goal against Uruguay by giving away a late penalty for the equaliser, the England manager wants to work with White.
