Ben White says he would make England withdrawal decision again

Ben White says he would again make himself unavailable for England if faced with the same circumstances, adding that people do not know the “full story” behind his decision to leave the squad during the 2022 World Cup.

The Arsenal defender, 29, made the comments after being named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for England’s upcoming Nations League matches. White left the team’s camp in Qatar for personal reasons and then remained unavailable for selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager.

Asked by BBC Radio 5 Live what he would say to people who judge his England career by the events in Qatar, White said he had never explained what happened and would not “put anyone under the bus” by sharing details. He said the experience had been difficult but that it was “amazing to be here now”.

White returned to the squad under Tuchel and came on in March’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay, his first England appearance in more than three years. Some supporters booed him before he scored; he also conceded the penalty that led to Uruguay’s equaliser.

White described that night as “full of emotions”. England team-mate Jordan Henderson has said the players would support him, while Tuchel has said White deserves “a new chapter” and positive feedback from the crowd.

England face Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November, before playing Spain in Madrid three days later. White has six caps and said he was looking forward to the opportunity to add to them.