Share this @internewscast.com

If Ben White is refusing to represent England because of a grudge, he will regret this stance at the end of his career — even more so if it means missing out on Euro 2024.I am certain of it. I should know, too, because I still rue my own refusal in 1998. 

I should stress I’m not entirely privy to White’s situation. When he mysteriously flew home from Qatar midway through the 2022 World Cup, the FA cited ‘personal reasons’, before stories emerged that he had fallen out with Gareth Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland over not doing his assigned homework on opponents. 

My situation was different. I was midway through a season in which I won the Premier League’s Golden Boot with Blackburn Rovers. 

Instead, I was being demoted to the reserves. I felt wronged so I told Hoddle — stupidly, I might add — where to shove his England B squad. My dad, Mike, had told me not to do it. My manager, Roy Hodgson, had told me not to do it. 

Ben White has refused his latest England call-up from Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate

Ben White has refused his latest England call-up from Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate

If White is refusing to represent England because of a grudge, he will regret this stance at the end of his career

If White is refusing to represent England because of a grudge, he will regret this stance at the end of his career

I did it anyway and I’ve already admitted on Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast that I was an idiot. I’ve since apologised to Hoddle for questioning his authority so publicly and ultimately, that 24-year-old kid paid the price. I was exiled. 

I didn’t make it to the 1998 World Cup. I never won a cap for my country again. It was covered in all the newspapers, my regretful reaction to Hoddle’s snub. 

The Daily Mirror ran one poll which asked readers to describe my decision — 51 per cent said I was ‘arrogant’, 29 per cent said ‘stupid’ and 20 per cent said ‘brave’. 

There is no winner in this latest situation. England lose, because this is a right-back who has been electric for Arsenal this season, brilliant at overlapping Bukayo Saka and deserving of the new deal he has been handed by his club.

White loses, because he misses out on representing his country, the greatest honour that can befall any footballer. 

I don’t buy the talk of this player in his prime not being a fan of football. He seems to enjoy it enough when in an Arsenal shirt.

England have lost a right-back who has been electric for Arsenal throughout the season

England have lost a right-back who has been electric for Arsenal throughout the season

Chris Sutton was exiled from the England set-up after previously refusing to play for the reserve team

Chris Sutton was exiled from the England set-up after previously refusing to play for the reserve team

Maybe the full story will emerge someday, but I’m glad that Southgate has said the door is still open. That was slammed shut for me after my refusal.

Hopefully, we will see White in an England shirt again. If not, he will regret it. Maybe not now, but someday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Aaron Ramsdale Celebrates Italian Wedding with Famous Premier League Star

Two years following their low-key ceremony at a registry office in London,…

Transfer Scoop: Tottenham Preparing Enhanced Bid for Mohammed Kudus, Updates on Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal Deal, Nottingham Forest’s Search for Anthony Elanga Alternatives, and the Latest on Jack Grealish’s Future

TOTTENHAM are expected to make an improved bid for WEST HAM forward…

Ex-MLB Pitcher Daniel Serafini Shows No Emotion During Prosecutors’ Closing Arguments in Murder Case

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel Serafini was pictured sitting through the…

West Ham urges Tottenham to rethink bid for Mohammed Kudus after trophy clause is added

Tottenham’s bid for Mohammed Kudus included add-ons that only kicks in if…

Wolves reveal 2025/26 home jersey with a distinctive new design

Wolverhampton Wanderers have revealed their new home shirt for the 2025/26 season…

Lionel Messi’s Contract Status with Inter Miami Unveiled Amid Rumors of Negotiations with Saudi Arabian Club

A significant development in the contract discussions between Lionel Messi and Inter…

Adidas Highlights the Spirit of Competition in New Film for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

In anticipation of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, adidas has launched an…

Heartfelt Tribute: Liverpool Squad Gathers to Honor Diogo Jota, with Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson Leading the Tribute at His Funeral

Liverpool players were applauded as they arrived to attend Diogo Jota’s funeral…

Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Negotiations for Free Transfer to Top-Tier European Club

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has held fresh talks with Newcastle, talkSPORT understands. Calvert-Lewin is…

Leah Williamson, Lionesses Captain, Stars in Calvin Klein Underwear Campaign Ahead of Women’s Euros

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson stripped down to her underwear as she modelled…

Fans Overwhelm Gravesite to Take Photos, Prompting Police Response

Police have been called to Diogo Jota’s graveside as fans started snapping photos…