Arsenal defender Ben White has spoken publicly for the first time about leaving England's 2022 World Cup squad, saying fans would not have booed him if they knew the full story behind his exit.

White, who is back in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, walked out of the camp in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, with the Football Association citing "personal reasons" at the time. A reported fallout with assistant manager Steve Holland was later reported as one of the reasons behind his departure, and White then made himself unavailable for selection for the rest of Gareth Southgate's time in charge.

"I won't throw anyone under the bus"

Speaking to talkSPORT on Monday, 9 November 2026, White said he would not go into detail about what happened. "It's something that I've not spoken about, and I won't go into detail about it," he said. "Yes, it's a decision that I don't want to be talking about anyone negatively or throwing anyone under the bus."

He added: "It's something that I don't want to throw anyone under the bus. I think 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."

On BBC Radio 5 Live, White said he did not regret his decision. "I don't think I would [change decision]," he said, adding that there were "loads of things that happened" that he was not prepared to discuss.

Booed on his return

White returned to the England fold under Tuchel in March, but was booed by a section of supporters when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Uruguay at Wembley. It proved an eventful evening: he scored, then gave away a penalty.

"I came on and obviously get booed. Then I score. Then I give away a pen. So it was obviously full of emotions that night, and it was a good night," White said. "Everyone can do whatever they want. It's fine with me. I just think about maybe not knowing the full story. And if they did, maybe they wouldn't."

He was later ruled out of this summer's World Cup through injury, having been booed by England fans before the tournament. The matter had come into sharp focus before Euro 2024, when Southgate said he had been told by Arsenal that White would not be available for selection. The Athletic subsequently reported that a row with Holland in Qatar was one of several reasons behind his stance.

Looking forward

White is now back in the squad as England prepare to host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November, before travelling to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday, 15 November, in their final Nations League group fixtures of 2026.

"It is what it is. There are reasons for it, and I am just looking forward to playing for England and doing well, and looking for success," White said. The defender, who has not played for England since his return from injury, will hope the coming week is remembered for his football rather than the fallout that kept him away from the national team for more than three years.