Arsenal defender Ben White has revealed that missing the last World Cup through injury left him in tears, as he insists it remains his dream to play for his country in a major tournament.
The 29-year-old, who famously left the England camp in Qatar in 2022, was brought back into the squad by Thomas Tuchel in March, only for injury to end his hopes of travelling to the United States.
Emotional Reaction to Injury Setback
“It was one I had to process quickly. And get my head around as I knew I would not be ready,” White said. “So I had a cry around the pitch when it happened and focused on my career.”
He added: “I've been obviously around it and not quite put my foot in the door in these big games. And yeah, it's definitely something I want to do and be involved in for sure.”
Reflecting on the Qatar Exit
White says he still “won’t go into detail” about what happened in Qatar but admits he would probably make the same decision again. Former England boss Gareth Southgate always played down any bust-up, though he later said White had made himself unavailable for England and had snubbed a recall.
“There were loads of things that happened and communication wasn't great,” said White. “I don't want to throw anyone under the bus; a lot of people try to do that to me so it's something I don't want to do myself.”
He continued: “I was a bit younger. Obviously, I'm a bit older now. I think, as a person, I'm quite real, and I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make. I think just people don't know the full story, and because I've never said anything or share any of that because I think it's probably the best way. But it's obviously amazing to be here now.”
Looking Ahead Under Tuchel
White, a regular for Arsenal who can play at right back and centre half, is now focused on the future under Tuchel. “Yeah, obviously, an amazing privilege to be called up, and the feeling is the same every time when you do get this chance to play for England and one I'm really looking forward to this week,” he said.
He added: “Yes, even until now, the manager’s communication is amazing. He's always in contact, and I think a manager that you really want to play for, that you want to give everything to, and someone that I think understands the level that it needs to be.”
White also addressed his previous comments about not liking football, clarifying that he simply does not watch it. “To be fair, I don't. I don't know if I actually said I don't like it because 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.”
White insists he has no problem with England fans booing him, though he suggests they might change their mind if they “knew the full story.” After walking away in 2022, he was booed on his first appearance for the national team since his departure during a friendly against Uruguay, where he both scored and conceded a penalty.
White told the BBC: “I think before the game, I was thinking, just don't not stand out, but just nice and easy, you know. Then I came on and obviously get booed. Then I score. Then I give away a pen. So it was obviously full of emotions that night, and it was a good night. Everyone can do whatever they want. Booing is fine. You know, it's fine with me. Whatever they want to do, and I think just think about maybe not knowing the full story. And if they did, maybe they wouldn’t.”
