Gareth Southgate has finally broken his silence on the controversy that surrounded Arsenal defender Ben White’s exit from England’s 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar.
White hasn’t played for the Three Lions since before the competition in the Middle East commenced, with Thomas Tuchel yet to pick him since taking over from Southgate.
The right-back has been focused on playing for the Gunners, and he’s been undeniably excellent for Mikel Arteta’s team in the last few seasons.
There could come a time when he makes a return to the England fold, as Tuchel revealed earlier this year that White is interested in playing for his nation once again.
Gareth Southgate addresses Ben White World Cup 2022 controversy
White was outstanding for Arsenal at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign.
The defender was playing every single minute at right-back, having been a centre-back the season prior, and was excellent in this new role, both defensively and offensively.
This form, unsurprisingly, earned him a call-up to Southgate’s England squad for the winter World Cup in Qatar.
Having not been granted a single minute in each of the Three Lions’ three group games, White left the tournament the day after the final group match against Wales.
‘Personal reasons’ were stated as the reason for the former Brighton man’s departure, although many have speculated that there was a breakdown in the relationship between the player and Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland.
Speaking on the Sports Agents podcast, Southgate produced a somewhat coy response when asked about why White wasn’t involved with England in the latter years of his tenure at St. George’s.
“No, I mean, I think that’s very sensitive because I think, you know, Ben would have to talk through that,” the manager said.
“I don’t think that’s for me to talk about. So, it certainly wasn’t anything that I felt personally let down.
“I felt I needed to support him at that moment, really. Players have lives outside of football and, you know, lots going on. My job is always to think of how to support the group, and if that’s players that need to leave or, you know, players that you want to keep in the group, you’ve got to deal with all manner of different circumstances, really.”
“Did that feel like the first time, you know, someone leaving a camp at a tournament is a big thing for whatever their reasons may be. Did it hurt you and your philosophy?” Southgate was asked.
“No, not at all, because I think it’s a personal thing, as I say, I think it’s never an area I feel I should discuss because it’s for Ben to decide if he wants to discuss it,” he replied.
“But so therefore, no, my job was to support him then in leaving the camp. And, not for one minute, take that personally.”
Thomas Tuchel should resurrect Ben White’s England career
White has been struggling with relentless injury issues in the last 12 months, which has likely prevented Tuchel from selecting the player in his squad on a few occasions.
That said, Tuchel called up Nico O’Reilly over White after Reece James withdrew due to injury in the last international break, despite the Arsenal man being fit.
This clearly shows that the German either doesn’t entirely trust White, or is merely waiting for him to start to pick up form and minutes for the Gunners before selecting him.
Nevertheless, Tuchel should find a way to use the versatile defender. Capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, White can either play alongside the likes of Marc Guehi or John Stones, or he can replicate his partnership with Bukayo Saka down the right-hand side for England.
Either way, he’s an exceptional player who Tuchel should endeavour to make a part of his squad.
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