Ben White finally addresses quitting England for the first time and says fans 'wouldn't boo' him if they'd known

Ben White has addressed his decision to abruptly leave the England camp during the 2022 World Cup for the first time as the latest international break gets underway.

White, who is part of Thomas Tuchel's squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, did not play for England for over three years after returning home from the World Cup in Qatar for 'personal reasons'.

The matter was drawn into sharp focus prior to Euro 2024, when then Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said he had been informed by White's club Arsenal that the defender would not be available for selection. The Athletic subsequently reported that a 'row' with assistant coach Steve Holland, which took place while the players were in Qatar, was one of several reasons behind White's stance.

READ MORE: Ben White's 'three reasons' for snubbing England call-up emerge

The Arsenal right-back has never spoken publicly about the matter ever since December 2022, including when he was brought on - and booed by a section of fans at Wembley - as a second-half substitute during England's friendly against Uruguay in March.

'There were loads of things that happened...' - Ben White on England snub

"Everyone can do whatever they want," White said (via The Telegraph), when asked about the boos he received at Wembley. "It's fine with me. I just think about maybe [it's] not knowing the full story. And if they did, maybe they wouldn't.

"It is what it is. There are reasons for it, and I am just looking forward to playing for England and doing well, and looking for success.

"I came on and obviously get booed. Then I score. Then I give away a penalty. So it was obviously full of emotions that night, and it was a good night. Booing is fine. It wasn't something that bothered me too much. I had a great night playing for England, and a few boos were not going to upset me too much.

"Obviously, a load's been said [about pulling out of the squad]. I've probably seen all of it and I think, obviously, people don't know the full story because I've never said anything. There were loads of things that happened and communication wasn't great.

"I won't put anyone under the bus or share any of that. A lot of people try to do that to me, so it's something I wouldn't want to do myself. I think it's probably the best way. Obviously, a bit tricky and not straightforward, but it's obviously amazing to be here now.

"No, I don't think I would [have any regrets]. I think I made the decision that I would continue to make. So yeah, one that I'm not happy about, but obviously it happened. It's time to move on."

It was reported in 2024 that part of the alleged row between Holland and White was over a suggestion that the Arsenal defender did not like football - a suggestion which he now completely denies.

"People say I don't like football, which is obviously not true," he said. "It's because I don't watch it, which I think is quite normal for someone that does a job and then doesn't go home and then continue watching that job. But I think it's my way of release from the game, because it's so intense."

What Thomas Tuchel has said about Ben White

In contrast to Southgate, who would not elaborate any further on White's position with England beyond his revelations that he was unavailable for selection, Tuchel was positive in his assessment of the Arsenal defender after selecting him for his latest squad.

"This is a closed book now because I think everyone could see the investment of Ben, and the quality of Ben, in the way he presented himself in the March camp before the World Cup," Tuchel said on Friday.

"When I speak with him, I always feel the hunger from him to come back and the excitement. He missed the last camp.

"He is the standout player for Arsenal in a position where we struggle with injuries, somehow, and we have a lot of changes. This gives Ben the opportunity to impose himself again. He deserves to open a new chapter, and deserves positive feedback from the crowd."