The departure of England assistant coach Steve Holland following Gareth Southgate‘s resignation has ignited speculation about a potential return to the national team for Arsenal defender Ben White.
Ben White’s abrupt exit from the England camp during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was shrouded in controversy, with reports suggesting a rift with Steve Holland. The alleged dispute reportedly stemmed from Holland questioning White’s knowledge of football in front of other players, a comment that was said to have deeply upset the Arsenal star.
The situation escalated in March 2024 when White declined a call-up for England’s friendlies against Belgium and Brazil, citing “personal reasons.” However, it was later revealed that White’s decision stemmed from his unwillingness to play under Southgate and Holland.
With Holland’s exit, the path is now clear for White’s return. The 26-year-old has consistently impressed at Arsenal, earning a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top defenders. His absence from the national team has been a source of frustration for many fans, who believe he deserves a place in the squad.
White’s aversion to football trivia and preference for focusing on his own game have been well-documented. In interviews, he has admitted to rarely watching matches and not being interested in the history of the sport. This approach seems to have fuelled his disagreement with Holland, who reportedly questioned White’s commitment due to his lack of interest in football minutiae.
The FA’s search for a new manager is underway, and the appointment of a new coaching staff could further pave the way for White’s return. If the new regime values White’s on-field contributions and respects his individual approach to the game, it’s highly likely that we’ll see the Arsenal defender back in an England shirt soon.
The potential return of White would be a significant boost for England, who are looking to rebuild after their disappointing Euro 2024 final defeat. White’s defensive prowess, versatility, and ability to play out from the back would add a new dimension to the team.
As the footballing world awaits the FA’s decision on the new England manager, Ben White’s future with the national team hangs in the balance. Will the departure of Steve Holland be the catalyst for his return? Only time will tell, but the prospect of seeing White back in an England shirt is certainly an exciting one for Arsenal and England fans alike.
