Ben White still has one major obstacle to overcome before complete England redemption

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The backlash against Ben White turning down England made any return look pretty unlikely. But now, more than three years on from White walking out on England at the 2022 World Cup, his time has finally come again.

Arsenal defender White is undoubtedly one of the best right backs in the Premier League when he is fully fit, playing regularly and on form.

But the baggage surrounding the 27-year-old has made it tough for him to return after he was cast as the villain who does not even like football.

In truth, no two players are the same and he was not happy at the Qatar World Cup. He did not feel part of it, Gareth Southgate ’s assistant Steve Holland was an abrasive figure and White decided he wanted to go home.

Former England boss Southgate always challenged the idea it was because of a bust-up but clearly all was not well in camp. From then on, it looked like he would never play for England again. The old traditionalists do not like it when you turn down your country.

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And that is understandable to a degree. But times change. Players change and we move on.

Southgate did reach out on more than one occasion and, most notably in March 2024, White did not want to return and made it clear he was not interested.

Southgate going public on that raised a few eyebrows and it was obvious that while he was in charge there was no way back. Arsenal tried to see off the row by announcing a new contract for White and there was a bit of politics behind the scenes.

But after Tuchel took charge, there was a new way forward and it was telling that the old staff had gone… and White was up for it again.

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White said publicly he was ready to return and Tuchel also said on numerous occasions that he had spoken to the Arsenal defender and was in his thoughts.

It reached a head last week when White was hoping to be in… then did not get the call. He was on the long list - Tuchel said there was about 55 names under consideration - and White surely deserves to be on that.

So there was disappointment then but now a reward and, even though he is against the odds for this summer’s World Cup, we should not bet against it.

The reason he is up against it is that his stats are stacked against him compared to his rivals. He has played just seven games in the Premier League but his tackles and other stats stack up well.

Maybe the biggest obstacle is the crowd reaction. If he can overcome that… then he will be firmly back in the frame. He deserves it and it is good to see in this age that we can move on. It happens in cricket - so why not football?