Sports · Football · 12 hrs ago
Ben White says he would make the same decision to leave England in 2022
Arsenal defender Ben White says he would again leave England's 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar, where he departed after the group stage for personal reasons.
He later made himself unavailable for selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate's time as England manager.
White says he has not shared the full reasons and does not want to blame anyone publicly.
Some England supporters booed him when he returned under Thomas Tuchel in March, during a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in which he scored and gave away a penalty.
He says fans do not know the full story, and that he is not trying to win them over.
White is back in England's squad for Nations League matches against Croatia at Wembley and Spain in Madrid.
He says being called up is a privilege and is looking forward to playing.
Ben White says he would make the same decision to leave England’s 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar.
The Arsenal defender says supporters do not know the full story behind his departure and subsequent time unavailable for selection.
White left the camp after the group stages for what were described as personal reasons and later declined England call-ups during Gareth Southgate’s tenure.
He was booed by some supporters during his return to the England team under Thomas Tuchel.
White says he will not disclose the reasons for his decision or blame anyone involved.
- Who
- Ben White, Arsenal defender and England international.
- What
- He says he would make the same decision to leave England’s 2022 World Cup camp and says fans do not know the full story.
- When
- He left during the 2022 World Cup; he discussed the decision on 9 November 2026.
- Where
- The England camp in Qatar.
- Why
- White has not disclosed his reasons, beyond the camp’s stated personal reasons.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
White left England’s camp in Qatar after the group stages, citing personal reasons.
White made himself unavailable for England selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s tenure.
White returned to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel and was booed by some supporters during a 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay.
White said he would make the same decision again and would not share the full story.
- Age
- 29
- World Cup departure
- 2022, in Qatar
- Previous England manager
- Gareth Southgate
- Current England manager
- Thomas Tuchel
- England caps
- Six
- Upcoming fixtures
- Croatia at Wembley on 12 November; Spain in Madrid three days later
2 sources
What people are saying
I think obviously people don't know the full story, because I [have] never said anything and I won't put anyone under the bus or share any of that.
I think as a person I am quite real and I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make.
if they did they would not be booing or saying these things.