According to a report by Metro on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, former Tottenham Hotspur winger Chris Waddle has insisted that Arsenal defender Ben White should never represent England again after previously withdrawing from the national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Waddle, who earned 62 caps for the Three Lions during his playing career, has criticised Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall White to the England squad, arguing that the defender should not have been given another opportunity after turning down international duty.

White left England’s World Cup camp in Qatar in 2022 for personal reasons, with reports suggesting that his departure followed an alleged disagreement with former assistant manager Steve Holland. The defender subsequently made himself unavailable for selection for the remainder of Gareth Southgate’s time as England manager.

However, the 29-year-old returned to the national team under Tuchel in March 2026, ending an absence of more than four years. His comeback attracted attention after some England supporters booed him during a friendly against Uruguay, despite him scoring before later conceding a penalty.

White has now spoken about his decision to leave the World Cup squad, admitting that he would probably make the same choice again if faced with a similar situation.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the Arsenal defender explained that communication had not been ideal but insisted he did not want to blame or publicly criticise anyone involved.

He also told BBC Radio 5 Live that he was not interested in discussing the details of what happened, adding that he was grateful to have another opportunity to represent his country.

White suggested that supporters might have a different understanding of the situation if they knew the full story behind his departure from Qatar.

However, his explanation has not changed Waddle’s position. Speaking to iGaming.com, the former England international said he was surprised that Tuchel had included the Arsenal defender in his squad.

Waddle argued that refusing to represent one’s country should have lasting consequences and said White should have been permanently excluded from future England selections.

He also questioned the defender’s inclusion because he is not a regular starter for Arsenal, although White’s ability to operate at both right-back and centre-back offers Tuchel additional defensive options.

The former Tottenham player further suggested that England supporters would continue to express their disappointment if White featured in the upcoming international fixtures.

Meanwhile, Tuchel has previously indicated that the situation surrounding White’s withdrawal should be treated as a closed book, suggesting that the defender deserves the opportunity to move forward.

White has been included in England’s squad for the upcoming matches against Croatia and Spain, giving him another chance to rebuild his international career despite the criticism surrounding his return.