Former Tottenham Hotspur and England winger Chris Waddle has called for Arsenal defender Ben White to receive a lifetime ban from representing England following his return to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Waddle strongly criticised Tuchel’s decision to recall the 29-year-old for England’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, insisting that White should not have been given another opportunity after making himself unavailable for international selection.
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Speaking to iGaming.com, Waddle questioned why the England manager had decided to bring the Arsenal defender back into the squad. The Standard reported Waddle’s comments, in which the former Tottenham player argued that refusing to represent your country should carry permanent consequences.
Chris Waddle Says Ben White Should Never Play for England Again
Waddle did not hold back when discussing White’s return to international football, arguing that the defender should have been permanently excluded from England selection.
“Listen, Ben White shouldn’t be in the England squad, that’s my opinion. He refused to represent his country. I’m surprised Thomas brought him back in, and I don’t get why he has.
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“There might be a shortage of full-backs, but when somebody turns down playing for their country, like Ben White did, to me that’s a lifetime ban. I’d say, ‘Forget it mate, on my watch you’re not getting back in’.
“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.”
Waddle also questioned White’s selection on club form, arguing that the Arsenal defender is not playing every game. He predicted that sections of the England support could make their feelings known if White features during the upcoming fixtures.
Why Ben White Left England’s 2022 World Cup Camp
White’s international absence began during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when he unexpectedly left England’s camp for what the Football Association described as personal reasons.
He subsequently made himself unavailable for selection for the remainder of Gareth Southgate’s time as England manager. Reports suggested there had been tension involving former assistant coach Steve Holland, although White has never publicly explained the full circumstances surrounding his departure.
The defender eventually returned under Tuchel in March 2026, bringing an end to his lengthy absence from the national team. His comeback was eventful: White came off the bench against Uruguay, scored and later conceded a penalty in a 1-1 draw. Sections of the Wembley crowd booed him when he entered the pitch.
Ben White Says People Do Not Know the Full Story
White has previously made it clear that he does not intend to explain everything that happened during his England absence.
“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.”
The Arsenal defender has also indicated that he would make the same decision again if faced with similar circumstances. His comments suggest that he wants to move forward rather than reopen the disagreement surrounding his departure from the 2022 World Cup camp.
In an interview with talkSPORT, White also discussed the reaction from supporters and his decision to keep the details private.
Thomas Tuchel Stands by His Decision to Recall White
Despite the criticism, Tuchel has included White in England’s squad for the November Nations League matches. The defender is back alongside Arsenal teammates Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly as England prepare for their fixtures against Croatia and Spain.
The official England squad announcement confirms White’s inclusion. Tuchel’s decision shows that he remains willing to select the defender despite the controversy surrounding his previous international absence.
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Waddle’s comments are likely to generate further debate among England supporters, particularly given the defender’s previous reception at Wembley. However, White has made it clear that he does not intend to reveal private details simply to change public opinion.
His immediate priority will be contributing whenever Tuchel gives him an opportunity. Whether supporters agree with his return or not, the England manager has made his decision, and White has another chance to establish himself in the national team.
