Ben White should face England ‘lifetime ban’, says Chris Waddle

Chris Waddle says Ben White should never have been allowed to play for England again after previously making himself unavailable for selection.

The former England winger criticised Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall the Arsenal defender, arguing that rejecting international duty should bring a “lifetime ban”.

White is in England’s squad for this week’s Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. He returned to international football in March, having remained unavailable during the latter part of Gareth Southgate’s tenure.

Ben White England recall: what Waddle said

Waddle, who won 62 England caps, made his comments in an interview with iGaming.com, reported by The Standard.

“Listen, Ben White shouldn’t be in the England squad, that’s my opinion,” he said.

“He refused to represent his country. I’m surprised Thomas brought him back in, and I don’t get why he has.”

Waddle acknowledged that England might need options at full-back but said that would not change his position.

“When somebody turns down playing for their country, like Ben White did at Euro 2024, to me that’s a lifetime ban,” he said.

“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.”

What White has said about his England absence

White addressed his international absence in a BBC Radio 5 Live interview reported on Monday.

He said “people don’t know the full story” and explained that he did not intend to disclose the circumstances.

“I won’t put anyone under the bus or share any of that,” he said.

White also indicated that, looking back, he would probably make the same decision again. He nevertheless described being selected for England as a privilege and said he was looking forward to this week’s matches.

The FA confirmed White’s departure from the Qatar World Cup camp on 30 November 2022, citing personal reasons and asking for his privacy to be respected.

He subsequently made himself unavailable under Southgate. Reports have linked that decision to events involving former assistant Steve Holland, but White has not publicly set out the full circumstances.

Why White is back in Tuchel’s squad

Tuchel recalled White in March 2026. The defender scored on his return against Uruguay at Wembley, before conceding the penalty that allowed the visitors to secure a 1-1 draw.

His latest selection is his first since that March camp. England’s squad announcement confirms that an injury sustained with Arsenal ruled him out of the summer’s World Cup.

England host Croatia on Thursday 12 November before travelling to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday 15 November.

Read our England squad update and England vs Croatia TV guide for the latest team news and viewing details.