Chris Waddle has called for a “lifetime ban” for Ben White after the Arsenal defender’s previous refusal to represent England.
White ended a self-imposed exile from the England national set-up in March 2026 when he accepted a call-up from boss Thomas Tuchel, featuring in friendlies against Japan and Uruguay.
Before that, White had not represented his country since the 2022 World Cup, quitting the tournament shortly before the end of the group stage for ‘personal reasons’.
Waddle’s criticism
It has been suggested that White’s refusal to play for England stemmed from a ‘barbed comment’ made by then-assistant manager Steve Holland, with former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate reiterating that he would call-up the Arsenal defender if he was available for selection.
Waddle, capped 62 times by his country, believes that White should never have been given the chance to play for England again.
Speaking to iGaming.com, Waddle stated: “Listen, Ben White shouldn’t be in the England squad, that’s my opinion. He refused to represent his country. I'm surprised Thomas (Tuchel) brought him back in, and I don't get why he has. There might be a shortage of fullbacks, but when somebody turns down playing for their country, like Ben White did at Euro 2024, to me that's a lifetime ban.”
Call for permanent mark
The former Tottenham midfielder said he would go one step further, permanently marking White’s England record after his refusal to accept a call-up.
Waddle added: “Once you turn your country down, there should be an asterisk next to your name that means you will never get the opportunity to put on that England shirt again. End of story.”
White has been included in the Three Lions’ squad to face Croatia and Spain in the Nations League, prompting discourse about his refusal to play for England under Gareth Southgate.
White’s response and support
The defender himself told BBC Radio 5 live: “I think obviously people don't know the full story, because I never said anything and I won't put anyone under the bus or share any of that.”
Despite Waddle’s strong comments, White appears to have the support of current England internationals. Jordan Henderson in March stated that Three Lions internationals ‘would always support’ White, while manager Tuchel has described his decision to recall the defender to the fold as a ‘new chapter’.
