Ben White hints England fans would forgive Qatar exit 'if they knew the full story'

Ben White has broken his silence on the circumstances surrounding his departure from England’s 2022 World Cup squad, suggesting that supporters who booed him on his international return earlier this year might feel differently if the complete picture were known — though the Arsenal defender insists he will not speak ill of those involved.

White walked out of England’s camp in Qatar citing personal reasons, with reports at the time pointing to a fallout with assistant manager Steve Holland. He subsequently made himself unavailable for selection for the remainder of Gareth Southgate’s tenure. When Thomas Tuchel handed him a recall in March, White was greeted with boos from England supporters before injury ended his involvement ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

His comeback appearance against Uruguay was, by his own admission, a rollercoaster. He scored and then conceded a penalty in the same match. “I came on and obviously get booed. Then I score. Then I give away a pen,” White told talkSPORT. “So it was obviously full of emotions that night, and it was a good night.”

On the reaction from fans, the 29-year-old was measured rather than bitter. “Everyone can do whatever they want. It’s fine with me. Whatever they want to do — I think just think about maybe not knowing the full story. And if they did, maybe they wouldn’t.”

White was equally careful not to apportion blame for what unfolded in Qatar, saying he has no desire to repeat what he feels others have done to him. “It’s a decision that I don’t want to be talking about anyone negatively or throwing anyone under the bus,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who tried to do that to me. So it’s something that I wouldn’t want to do to someone else.”

Speaking separately on BBC Radio 5 Live, White reflected on the decision itself with a degree of acceptance. “I don’t think I would change it. I was a bit younger. 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.”

Despite the turbulence of the past three years, White sounded optimistic about what lies ahead for his international career. “It’s such a privilege to ever get close to playing for your country — something I probably didn’t even dream of. There’s been a few bumps. I’m obviously here now, and looking forward to this story continuing.”