Overview
- White left England’s World Cup camp in Qatar in 2022 and the FA at the time said the withdrawal was for “personal reasons.”
- He made himself unavailable for selection under Gareth Southgate and was persuaded to return by Thomas Tuchel in March, when Tuchel personally contacted him.
- White’s March comeback at Wembley was eventful as sections of the crowd booed him, he scored for England and later conceded a penalty in the same friendly.
- A knee ligament injury late in the 2025/26 season ruled White out of the 2026 World Cup, but he has been fit enough to join the squad for November Nations League fixtures.
- White says he will not disclose the full circumstances of the 2022 episode and refuses to "throw anyone under the bus," a position that keeps him private but leaves fans and pundits divided despite Tuchel’s public backing.